Ready To Rent?

Before you make the big move, know what you’re getting yourself into.

- Jane Surtees

SO YOU’RE set to leave home and find your own space. Exciting times, but they can also be overwhelming. Here’s what you need to know as you come face to face with legal documents, deposits, removal costs and a whole lot more.

1 WHERE TO LIVE?

If you’re new to an area, chat to people who live there. Ask about the pros and cons of the neighbourhood. What are the facilities – shops, restaurants, nightlife, parking, public transport, parks? Which area is inexpensive and which is more costly? What’s security like? How long will your commute to work be?

You can also use Google – for example, type best areas to live in Johannesburg.

2 HOW TO FIND IT

Now you have your suburb, where can you find a place to rent?

Websites like property24.com list a wide range of options and check out local listings by googling rentals in your city.

Estate agents often have other properties not listed online. But avoid any nasty surprises by checking if you have to pay a fee for their services.