By Simoné Muller, Residential Property Manager of @Sandton-Apartments at Acsiopolis Mixed Used Precinct

Unlocking the potential of real estate investments in South Africa requires a deep understanding of the crucial role played by responsible landlords. As the country’s property market continues to evolve, businesses must recognise the transformative power that responsible landlordship wields, not only in driving financial success but also in fostering positive social impact. In this article, Simoné Muller explores the multifaceted responsibilities that responsible landlords should undertake in South Africa. From ensuring safe and comfortable living spaces for tenants to adhering to legal compliance and fostering open communication, embracing these principles can elevate businesses into becoming powerful agents of change, creating thriving communities and yielding long-term prosperity.

Properly vetting tenants is an integral part of being a responsible landlord in South Africa. Thoroughly screening prospective tenants helps to ensure a safe and peaceful living environment for everyone involved. While it may be tempting to quickly fill vacancies, taking the time to conduct comprehensive tenant screenings is a crucial step in mitigating potential risks and maintaining a harmonious community in the long term.

Responsible landlords understand the significance of conducting background checks, verifying references, and assessing a tenant’s financial stability. Background checks reveal previous payment history, defaults and judgements, providing valuable insights into a prospective tenant’s character and reliability. Contacting previous landlords allows for an assessment of the tenant’s rental history, and overall behaviour as a tenant which will impact other residents should they become a tenant.

Verifying a tenant’s financial stability is equally important. This can be done by requesting proof of income or employment, credit checks, and evaluating their ability to meet rental obligations. By assessing these factors, landlords can ensure that tenants have the means to fulfil their financial responsibilities and maintain a stable tenancy mitigating bad debt down the line; the knock-on effect of which can be disastrous for a landlord’s cash flow.

Frequently a potential tenant can look ideal on paper, but it can be enormously beneficial for landlords to consider conducting in-person interviews with prospective tenants. This allows for a direct interaction, enabling landlords to gauge a potential tenant’s demeanour, communication skills, and compatibility with the property and community. During the interview, it is essential to communicate the expectations and rules of the property to ensure a shared understanding and a higher likelihood of a successful tenancy.

By implementing a thorough tenant vetting process, responsible landlords can significantly reduce the risks of property damage, disruptive behaviour, or potential conflicts within the community. This proactive approach not only contributes to a safe and peaceful living environment but also protects the interests of other tenants and the overall reputation of the property. And we all know that the reputation of a property can make or break it in terms of attracting the right tenants in the long term.

In conclusion, vetting tenants properly is a vital aspect of being a responsible landlord in South Africa. By conducting thorough background checks, verifying references, assessing financial stability, and conducting in-person interviews, landlords can ensure a safe and peaceful living environment for everyone. This diligent approach not only safeguards the property but also fosters a positive community atmosphere, promoting the well-being and satisfaction of all tenants.

AUTHOR BIO
In the heart of Sandton on Benmore Road you will find Acsiopolis - pronounced {ak-shop-oh-liss}. This multi-use precinct is home to @Sandton-Apartments, where life is all about affordable luxury, location and convenience. Simoné Muller is the Residential Property Manager at this unique development boasting 480 upscale purpose-built high-rise apartments in a variety of configurations spread over two towers flanking the central @Sandton-Hotel tower.

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For more information go to Acsiopolis, home to @Sandton-Hotel and @Sandton-Apartments, go to our website, visit us at 5 Benmore Road, Benmore Gardens, Sandton, Johannesburg, or call +27 11 440 1444 (Apartments) and +27 11 395 4777 (Hotel).

Get Social: Follow us on our social media platforms to be the first to know what happening at the Acsiopolis Building lifestyle precinct:

• Facebook: @SandtonApartmentsAndLifestyle and @atsandtonhotel
• Instagram: sandtonapts and sandtonhotel

DISTRIBUTED ON BEHALF OF ACSIOPOLIS, home to @SANDTON-HOTEL and @SANDTON-APARTMENTS, by ANGELFISH PR & EVENTS.
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ABOUT ACSIOPOLIS

Encompassing @Sandton-Apartments and @Sandton-Hotel, the Acsiopolis Building is the first multi-use lifestyle precinct in South Africa which includes a 561-room luxury hotel, 480 upmarket leased apartments, conferencing and event facilities (including an 80-seater auditorium), co-working space called Co Worx, an NCF curriculum nursery school @Sandton-Kids, doctors’ rooms, physiotherapist, plastic surgeon, orthodontist, gym, clubhouse, deli, restaurant and spa.

Live, Work and Play… Acsiopolis has been constructed with the guests’ and residents’ lifestyle top of mind, catering to people at all stages of life from Millennials to Gen-X empty nesters. Making the move to at @Sandton comes with a myriad of on-site services from a weekday working space to weekend leisure activities.

ABOUT ACSION

Acsion Limited is a highly experienced, specialist property development and property holding company with in-house property and asset management functions. We are the only JSE-listed company dedicated to property development while reaping the rewards of our own developments as a landlord.

The name Acsion is a combination of the Greek word “Axion” – loosely translated as “worth it” and “action” – to act quickly and make things happen. This set of results demonstrates that the Company delivers on main strategy of continued NAV growth – hence the slogan “Acsion in action”.

Our Company: Acsion was founded by Mr Kiriakos Anastasiadis approximately 25 years ago. Through ingenuity, vision, value engineering and effective management, the Group expanded into the successful property development and property holdings company it is today.

Our Properties: Acsion’s current portfolio of assets is independently valued at R9.8-billion with a GLA of 257 000sqm and comprises ten well-established, strategically located properties across South Africa.

Our Developments: Acsion continuously evaluates approximately 20 to 30 new development opportunities at any one time and is in various stages of discussions on certain projects to further enhance the capital growth of its business.

Our Investors: Through its development activities, Acsion is able to unlock development profits and thereafter generate annuity income and further capital growth for its shareholders.