"There are many properties to rent, but in order to secure the one you want, at the right rent, you are going to have to impress your potential landlord just as you would need to make a favourable impression on an employer in order to clinch a great new job.

"Of course, finding the right home is just as critical to your personal satisfaction and happiness as your job and deserves your best effort. But, even more importantly, a home seeker who impresses a landlord as the sort of person who will care for the property is much more likely to be given a long lease and more favourable consideration when improvements to the property are requested.

"And a landlord who really wants to keep a good tenant may even be prepared to lower the rent, or at least defer a rent increase."

Botha says potential tenants should ensure that their credit record (Click here to learn how you can improve your credit score) is in good shape and should obtain the current contact information and permission of any references ahead of time.

Then they should compile all the information and paperwork they may need to complete a rental application, including a list of previous addresses, bank account details, ID document, employer information and recent payslips.

They should also be prepared to pay a deposit, usually equivalent to a full month’s rent, and ensure that they have the funds to cover any water and electricity supply connection fees that are required.

Finding a place

As to the actual home search, he says, this could begin on the bulletin board at work, where the seeker can post a 'wanted' notice — or might even find an ad for a home in the neighbourhood that would enable them to share a lift to work.

Potential tenants should also enlist the help of friends, family and colleagues to find the right rental home. And of course they should read and respond to the latest rental listings in their local newspapers, property magazines and on the internet as early as possible each day.

"Home seekers should also be very clear about their 'must haves' in a rental home — and what they really don’t want — but be flexible on the rest of their criteria and be prepared to make a quick decision when they find a property they like."

And finally, he says, tenants must be sure to update the insurance cover for their household goods when they move into their new home.

(Renting property or looking to do so? Click here for some helpful ideas and practical advice for tenants as well as a host of online rental property databases for you search…)

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