lWhen renting any dwelling, sign a lease agreement so that you know what the agreement is all about or how much you gave the landlord as a security deposit.
lWhen renting any dwelling, sign a lease agreement so that you know what the agreement is all about or how much you gave the landlord as a security deposit.
l Keep copies of all your receipts. This is the first mistake Mokaba made. Her landlord does not even recall how much she paid and he too did not keep a record when she paid her security deposit.
l Before you take occupation, take pictures of the property.
Note anything that is damaged or worn-out and give a copy to the landlord.
l Make two copies, one for yourself and one for the landlord.
l Any promises the landlord makes must be in writing. Remember, your contract is in writing and any variations, additions and promises must be in writing too.
l Give your notice in writing and keep a copy.
When the day to move approaches, set up a time with your landlord to do final inspection. Again, make sure you take lots of pictures.
l Do not leave without doing an inspection and leave keys to the caretaker or landlord in person.
l If you have followed the procedure your landlord has no excuse to keep your money. If there are damages the landlord has a month to notify you about them. After that time they have no legal right to keep any portion of your deposit.
l Consumers can also lodge their complaints concerning unfair practices to the Tenant and Landlords dispute resolution Tribunal found in all nine provinces.
What you need to know
lWhen renting any dwelling, sign a lease agreement so that you know what the agreement is all about or how much you gave the landlord as a security deposit.
lWhen renting any dwelling, sign a lease agreement so that you know what the agreement is all about or how much you gave the landlord as a security deposit.
l Keep copies of all your receipts. This is the first mistake Mokaba made. Her landlord does not even recall how much she paid and he too did not keep a record when she paid her security deposit.
l Before you take occupation, take pictures of the property.
Note anything that is damaged or worn-out and give a copy to the landlord.
l Make two copies, one for yourself and one for the landlord.
l Any promises the landlord makes must be in writing. Remember, your contract is in writing and any variations, additions and promises must be in writing too.
l Give your notice in writing and keep a copy.
When the day to move approaches, set up a time with your landlord to do final inspection. Again, make sure you take lots of pictures.
l Do not leave without doing an inspection and leave keys to the caretaker or landlord in person.
l If you have followed the procedure your landlord has no excuse to keep your money. If there are damages the landlord has a month to notify you about them. After that time they have no legal right to keep any portion of your deposit.
l Consumers can also lodge their complaints concerning unfair practices to the Tenant and Landlords dispute resolution Tribunal found in all nine provinces.