Cape Town Villa Holiday Rental Guidelines
HOUSE PRESENTATION GUIDELINES AND OBLIGATIONS:
The right outcome of any rental is when your tenant requests a return booking. However, Property Owners must never forget that there are risks in letting property.
These notes are presented for you, based on our knowledge of our clients most likely to rent from you your rental market and their expectations. Most of your tenants will come from the UK, a few from Europe and the States. They will probably have rented houses and villas abroad before. They will therefore have certain standards in mind when they rent your house. Understanding their standards and expectations is therefore key to making their stay in your house enjoyable, trouble-free, and hopefully, the first of many.
Setting Out:
Decide how long you are planning on letting your house, whether this is something you can be flexible about, and what will be the minimum period.
Decide what areas of the house are available, particularly how many bedrooms. Lock those rooms or garages that are excluded.
Remember you will not have access to your house during the holiday let.
Please also realize that there will be some wear and tear to your home.
Ensure that all furnishings and appliances offered will be available for the duration of the lease.
Policies:
What is your policy towards children staying in your home?
Some tenants will smoke. What is your smoking policy?
Pets should not be left on the property, what would you do?
Decide staff working hours and job description. We must know exactly what services your staff provides, so we can inform the tenant.
Cover Yourself:
If applicable, inform your bond company & comply with any restrictions.
You must ensure that you, the Property and its contents are comprehensively insured to include third party occupiers liability, which should include accidental damage extension and public/personal liability. You should confirm this with Cape Private Properties. You must obtain detailed advice from your insurers as to the nature and extent of insurance cover required.
Preparing Your House for Rental:
Tenants are generally prepared to pay a premium rental to secure a high standard of accommodation.
First impressions count; it is in your best interest to ensure that your house is offered to the market in the best possible decorative state. When a house is in first class order it lets more easily.
Based on our understanding of European standards and values, and to protect yourself and your staff, we make the following minimum requirements.
The Owners Responsibility to the Tenant:
That the property will be made available to the tenant at the agreed dates and times failing which all monies paid will be returned immediately. Provided the tenant has paid the rental and observed their remaining obligations that they shall occupy and enjoy the property during the rental period.
That you undertake to leave the house in a good and clean condition. You should leave your home in the same clean and tidy condition, as you would expect to find it, carpets cleaned and pest control measures must undertaken if you have pets.
That you undertake and agree to pay all rates, taxes and service charges, gas, water and electricity in respect of the premises and such other routine items of expenditure as are required to keep and maintain the property.
That you shall be responsible for insuring the property to include public liability and third party indemnity insurance.
That you undertake to repair any breakages and or damages caused to the property during the tenants stay. Cape Private Properties will use their best endeavors to arrange for these problems to be solved as soon as possible. Charges will apply if the breakages are due to the tenants negligence.
you inform Cape Private Properties of any alterations; the rental could be affected by the changes.
Should the Tenant have to be relocated as a result of the property being unfit for occupation you will be liable for the costs of re-accommodating the tenant in similar accommodation (only) for the duration of the inconvenience except where the cause is due to the negligence of the tenant.
Remember also that,
Irreplaceable, sentimental, or very personal objects should be removed. You must be aware that any items left out could be used.
pictures, furniture should be properly insured (see above).
You should detail any significant or useful pointers with regard to the house.
You should supply a First Aid Kit.
Bedrooms & Bathrooms:
Good quality beds are essential; two sets of linen per bed should be provided.
Ample cupboard space should be provided in all bedrooms.
Guests expect good quality towels: please supply, per person, two each of hand towels, bath sheets and beach towels.
Bathroom cupboards should be left totally empty.
Kitchen:
Kitchens must be fully equipped and left spotless.
Adequate cutlery (+12 place settings), crockery and glassware are essential, but remove those items you do not want to be used i.e. your best glassware and cutlery.
The fridge should be left clean and empty.
Garden:
If applicable, make sure your gardener understands his instructions for the rental period.
A sparkling pool (leave pool chemicals with instructions) and a well-maintained garden are essential.
Adequate patio furniture is a must and should include 4-6 pool loungers with cushions, a canvas umbrella together with a braai (well presented entertainment areas are very important).
Security:
Ensure that Cape Private Properties have all relevant details. We will be looking after your property during the rental period.
Supply a fire extinguisher for each floor of your house & garage; a fire blanket in the kitchen. Install smoke detectors.
You must have your security alarm system tested to make sure it works correctly.
Ensure that keys are provided for all outside doors & provide two front door sets of keys and alarm controls for your guests.
Staff:
Your maid is an essential part of letting your house; the costs are included in the rental. Both she and your guests should know and we will explain, how much you appreciate her.
You must explain the change in the situation. For the change in her daily routine, for harder work and longer hours, she will receive extra wages.
Explain to your maid that should there be a problem during the let she should contact Cape Private Properties and not yourself.
Both your maid and tenants will know how each party behaved towards each other and the house.
An extra bonus from you also encourages her co-operation. And remind her that we encourage tenants to tip as well.
Visitor Information and Instructions:
Cape Private Properties will provide emergency instructions: fire, police, security, doctors, etc but your assistance with telephone numbers would be appreciated. These will be left prominently in the house.
Provide clear instructions for all appliances (TV,dstv/mnet, dishwasher etc). And very much appreciated information about your recommended venues for sports, beaches, wild life, gardens, restaurants etc.
A house that is clean, crisp and comfortable is the most suitable for letting. In order to give yourself plenty of time, these recommendations should be completed well before your tenant arrives, in order to avoid last minute problems. We will arrange to visit your house prior to the commencement of your let.
The above are recommendations and guidelines; it is in your best interests to comply. Please give us a ring if you have any queries or need any help. Tel: 794-7661, Cell: 082-922-3488 Fax 794 8262.
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