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Community Business Directory, Event Listings, News and Views from Gqeberha, Nelson Mandela Bay

tenant

How to negotiate a fair rental increase

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Annual rental increases are an unfortunate fact of life for tenants, and a vital tool for landlords when it comes to covering expenses and protecting their investment. Getting both parties to agree on a reasonable annual rental escalation isn’t always the easiest conversation to have, but according to Jacqui Savage, National Rentals Business Development Manager for the Rawson Property Group, a fair negotiation is in the best interests of everyone involved. “A lot of people are still under the … [Read more...] about How to negotiate a fair rental increase

Mthatha news: Manufacturer becomes latest tenant at Eastern Cape industrial park

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Manufacturer becomes latest tenant at Eastern Cape industrial park: Government has already reopened the Vulindlela Industrial Park in Mthatha and the iKomani Industrial Park in Queenstown. The Dimbaza Industrial Park revitalisation master plan – drawn up by development financier the Eastern Cape Development Corporation ... Source: "Mthatha" - BingNews. ANC needs visionary leaders, young businesspeople are told: The vision of the ANC became brighter when visionary leaders were elected, ANC … [Read more...] about Mthatha news: Manufacturer becomes latest tenant at Eastern Cape industrial park

Appointment of a tenant as trustee

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Hi Can you please advise whether a tenant can be appointed as a trustee and where I can find the relevant section in the Sectional Titles Act Regards Jayshree Regards Jayshree Thaker Editor: I have been in the situation of being appointed as a trustee and not owning a unit, but you need to check the Prescribed Management Rules for your scheme comply to make 100% sure. In accordance with Section 35 of the Sectional Titles Act schemes "..shall as from the date of the establishment … [Read more...] about Appointment of a tenant as trustee

Protect your deposit

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Sheree Peach, Residential Rentals Manager at Renprop, discusses the essential items for tenants to check and know about when moving into or out of a rental property in order to protect their deposits Whether moving in or out of a rental property, tenants want to ensure their deposit is protected. Sheree Peach, Residential Rentals Manager at Renprop, says that when moving into a rental unit, tenants will need to pay a deposit (which is usually based on one month’s rent, sometimes two) as well … [Read more...] about Protect your deposit

Your rights if your landlord sells

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With the market currently favouring sellers, it may be tempting for those who own a rental property to put the property on the market. But what happens if the property is occupied by a tenant? Does the tenant have any rights and are they within their rights to breach the lease agreement in this instance? According to Adrian Goslett, CEO of RE/MAX of Southern Africa, the law states that a landlord is within their rights to sell their property to a third party, even if the property is let out … [Read more...] about Your rights if your landlord sells

Air Con – Landlord not happy!

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A landlord has approached the Property Poser panel with an interesting question regarding the ownership of an air-conditioner that was installed by the tenant in his rental property. The reader tells us that his tenant has installed a split-unit type, where the refrigeration unit is affixed to the exterior of the property, with a pipe leading to the air distribution unit on an interior wall. The air-conditioner was installed without the landlord's consent and he wants to know whether the … [Read more...] about Air Con – Landlord not happy!

One for the books – tenant bills landlord for occupational rental

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A reader has approached the Property Poser panel with a somewhat peculiar dilemma involving occupational rental on a property she recently bought. She writes that the seller wished to remain in occupation for a few months following transfer. The agent and seller agreed to the monthly occupational rental payable and the reader agreed to the sum as recorded in the agreement of sale on the property. Registration of transfer took place earlier this year and the seller duly remained in the … [Read more...] about One for the books – tenant bills landlord for occupational rental

‘Tenant’ used as a dangling carrot

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This week, the Property Poser expert follows up on a recent letter from a reader who asked whether she should employ an agent in letting her property. In brief, the general conclusion was that if the agent could expedite the process and provide a service that the reader might not have been able to provide herself, there might be some value in it. The reader elected to use the agent's services, as he was insistent that he had a number of qualified tenants already interested in the … [Read more...] about ‘Tenant’ used as a dangling carrot

Could Tenant claim for improvements?

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Property Poser's expert has been approached by a tenant who has not only lost her long-term lease but also the garden and braai area she set about establishing at her own cost. The reader explains that she rented a dwelling with the understanding that she was to remain there for a number of years. The lease was drawn up for a single year but the tenant was assured that this was standard procedure and that it would merely be renewed year on year. As a result of the ostensible extended lease … [Read more...] about Could Tenant claim for improvements?

Damp gets tenant down

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Another unhappy tenant has contacted our Property Poser expert regarding her rented abode, which appears to be in rather a sorry damp state. The reader writes that the property was in a very good condition when she first moved in. However, there is an enclosed veranda that becomes very damp when it rains, as there is no proper drainage for the rainwater. It appears that the dampness has now spread and also affects the walls of the spare bedroom. Following discussions with the tenant, … [Read more...] about Damp gets tenant down

Who repairs blocked drains – Landlord or Tenant?

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A reader has contacted the Property Poser experts about a blocked drainage system in her rented granny flat, which the landlord refuses to fix. The tenant writes that the problem has affected the water outlets, including the bath and basin, and the toilet. She used chemicals to try to remedy the problem. These helped a little but only for a short while, until the main house - which is also rented out - developed serious drainage problems. After the main house's problems were resolved, … [Read more...] about Who repairs blocked drains – Landlord or Tenant?

4 Years and repairs still not done

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A reader asks the Property Poser experts whether he can take his landlord to task over repairs that have been left undone since he moved in four years ago. Although no joint inspection was carried out when the tenant and his wife first took occupation, the reader says he inspected the flat on his own and compiled a list of problems. This document was duly presented to the landlord. He signed it and undertook to repair the identified problem areas but did not live up to his word. The … [Read more...] about 4 Years and repairs still not done

Premium shop space

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The Property Poser panel this week helps a reader who is concerned that the rental on his commercial property is unjustifiably higher than that of a similar shop space next door. The reader explains that he is halfway through a five-year lease and recently discovered that the neighbouring premises, which is approximately the same size and similarly outfitted, was recently rented out for 20 per cent less than what he is paying. In nearly all instances, commercial transactions tend to be … [Read more...] about Premium shop space

Tenant ready to roast landlord

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The Property Poser panel has received a query from a tenant regarding a broken oven in his rental property. The reader says the repairs would be rather costly and asks whether he would be permitted to replace the oven rather than fix it and deduct the costs from his rental payments. Sean Radue of Radue Attorneys in Port Elizabeth says the reader has not made it clear whether this is a typical residential lease scenario or a commercial one. "This makes a difference as the Rental Housing … [Read more...] about Tenant ready to roast landlord