Leave a rental on a good note to ensure a positive reference

There are many reasons why tenancy can come to an end.

Whether the tenant needs to relocate for employment reasons, they have decided to become a homeowner, or if they simply can no longer afford the rental payments, it is always advisable to leave on a good note because you never know when you might need that recommendation.

“When applying for a new rental, the new landlord is within their right to ask for the previous landlord’s contact details for a reference.

“It is always advisable to leave the property on a good note despite whatever circumstance might have caused the tenant to want to move out in the first place,” says regional director and CEO of RE/MAX of Southern Africa Adrian Goslett.

To help tenants prepare for a peaceful exit, RE/MAX of Southern Africa shares a few tips on how to ensure glowing reviews from a landlord.

From the beginning, establish a good relationship with your landlord or property manager and stay in open communication throughout your tenancy, providing ample notice if you know you are planning on ending the lease.

And, this goes without saying, but pay your rent in full and on time every month. After providing ample notice, discuss the expectations for the final inspection with your landlord or property manager and develop a plan to address any issues that need to be corrected.

Be sure to ask if you need to make use of professional cleaners, and if so, who will be liable to arrange this.

When moving out, be careful not to cause any damage to the property.

Avoid dragging heavy objects across tiles or wooden floors that could scratch easily. Instead, try sliding a blanket underneath the furniture before you start dragging it. Avoid bumping walls and leaving marks behind.

Once everything is removed from the property, do a final clean-up to ensure you leave the property in at least the same, if not better, condition than it was when you moved in.

Be accommodating when it comes to the key hand-over and allowing other potential tenants to view the property.

Try to avoid unnecessary delays or excuses that could prevent the landlord or property manager from being able to place a tenant once you have moved out.

“It is never a good idea to burn bridges. Despite how the landlord might behave, tenants ought to do their best to end their tenancy on the right note to ensure future success if they ever need to apply for a new tenancy,” Goslett says.