Why It’s Crucial to Use a Reputable Company to Manage Your Rental Property – Insights from Denis Dunn

The recent Netwerk24 article, “The Tenant Who Won’t Leave”, paints a disturbing picture of how quickly a landlord’s dream can turn into a nightmare when the wrong tenant is selected. It highlights exactly why it is essential to partner with a professional, reputable, and system-driven agency to manage your investment property.

Denis Dunn, owner of Harcourts Dunn Rentals, emphasizes:

“When we manage properties, we use strict processes and sophisticated systems to ensure our clients’ investments are protected. Our team of property managers is trained to handle every aspect of the rental process professionally – from vetting to maintenance and rent collection.”

1. Strict Tenant Vetting Protects Your Investment

One of the biggest mistakes private landlords make is placing tenants without thorough background checks. Harcourts Dunn uses advanced platforms such as TPN and PayProp to verify financial and credit records, check rental history, and contact references. This ensures only reliable tenants are placed in your property.

2. Inspections: Move-in, Interim, and Move-out

The agency conducts detailed incoming, interim, and outgoing inspections. These inspections are recorded digitally and compared to one another, ensuring any damage or wear is immediately identified and addressed. This helps prevent disputes at the end of a lease and protects both the landlord and tenant.

3. Ongoing Maintenance Preserves Value

Harcourts Dunn’s team proactively monitors and manages property maintenance. By acting swiftly when repairs are needed, they prevent small issues from becoming major ones – ultimately helping to retain and even increase the property’s market value.

4. Effective Rent Collection and Follow-up

With systems like PayProp and WeConnectU, the company accurately monitors rent collections and ensures payments are made on time. If a tenant fails to pay, reminders are automatically sent, and proper follow-up is done promptly. This proactive approach prevents prolonged debt issues and secures the landlord’s cash flow.

5. Legal Knowledge Matters

According to the Rental Housing Act and Consumer Protection Act, specific legal procedures must be followed when a tenant defaults or breaches the lease. Denis and his team are well-versed in the law and know exactly how to act within legal boundaries to protect their clients' interests.

“It’s not just about the money,” says Denis. “It’s about peace of mind. Our clients know they have a team that protects their property, handles disputes, and maintains value – without unnecessary stress.”

Final Thought: If property is one of your biggest assets, it deserves professional management. The cost of an unqualified tenant or poorly managed unit can run into tens of thousands of rands – or more. With a company like Harcourts Dunn by your side, your investment is in safe hands.