Chas Everitt End of Tenancy
Category Tenant Information
Coming to the end of your Tenancy can be a very busy time, and with a new home to think about, there is a lot to be done. However, it is also important to focus on your home you are leaving behind to ensure you have a smooth check out and receive your deposit in full. It is also too easy to forget something important that could prove costly in terms of time, and a potential claim on your deposit. So please take the time to study the following pages, which contains information relating to common FAQ's. Chas Everitt Property Rentals is here to guide you all the way!
THE CHECK OUT REPORT
When a check out is performed, it will be compared to the initial inspection at the start of your tenancy. The aim of the check out is to confirm that the property is left in a good, clean and tidy condition in accordance with tenancy requirements.
DON'T FORGET ABOUT THE KEYS
You will be required to hand back all sets of keys when vacating the premises. In the event that all keys are not returned, it will be your responsibility and for your account to replace same, this includes any electrical gate remotes
.
Remember that the deposit is retained for the performance of your obligations under the terms set out in the lease agreement.
UTILITIES & FORWARDING POST
It is important that you contact the various utilities, (electricity, water, telephone), to advise them of your departure. Please also arrange for the re-direction of any incoming mail/ post as we cannot assure that your mail will be forwarded after your departure.
Please ensure that any cables, external satellite and internet hardware not provided by your landlord is removed prior to you vacating the premises, and any damage from installation or removal is repaired.
FAIR WEAR AND TEAR & DAMAGE
Establishing what is fair wear and tear as opposed to damage and the subsequent costs, can be quite subjective, so good guidelines and common sense are key factors in making a fair decision. There is currently no legislative definition of "Fair Wear and Tear", but generally it is deemed to be damage that occurs due to the ordinary use of the premises by a Tenant over the passage of time or the ordinary operation of natural elements.
There are more landlord and tenant disputes regarding cleaning than any other issue. It is a good idea to double check each nook and cranny prior to your final inspection date to ensure that no items or areas require corrective maintenance, or require cleaning, to avoid any claim from your deposit.
Old, warped window frames, paint that has faded in the ordinary course, plaster that has cracked as a building settles and carpets worn as the result of being walked on will all be considered fair wear and tear. Conversely, the following would constitute damage due to negligence and would be for the tenant's account: windows damaged as a result of being slammed, walls damaged due to nails or screws, paint discoloured as a result of cigarette or candle smoke, carpets discoloured due to pets or stains and kitchen counters scratched due to cutting.
It is important that you study your lease agreement relating to your obligations insofar as the maintenance of the property is concerned. Your Chas Everitt Rental agent will also offer guidance in terms of same.
REPAIRS/ DAMAGES AFTER VACATING?
Before expiration of the lease agreement, Chas Everitt Property Rentals shall arrange a joint inspection of the property at a mutually agreed time to take place not less than 3 days prior to expiry in order to ascertain if any damages exist.
Where there is damage to the premises that has not been rectified, the landlord or agency is entitled to claim a proportion of the cost of repair from your deposit. All other monies owed to the landlord in terms of the lease can also be deducted off your deposit.
The amounts the Landlord or agency claims toward damages will depend on the original condition of the premises, hence a thorough review of your initial or take on inspection and final inspection will be conducted by your agent.
Once all parties are in agreement that the premises are returned to its original condition the remainder of the deposit will be paid out to the tenant as stipulated in the
Author: Barry Fourie