Our Student Rental Services
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MEET OUR AGENTS
Looking for the student rental experts of Stellenbosch, you will find us at the Neelsie on campus. Pop in for assistance, whether you want to rent or buy.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
When does the rental term start?
Rental terms for the new year start on 1 December until 30 November of the next year – 12 months.
Do we require one contract per unit or do we offer a contract per room?
We do offer one lease per unit OR ALTERNATIVELY a lease per room for e.g. 3 leases for a 3 bedroom unit ext.
Are units leased as an entirety or per room?
Units are leased as an entirety meaning you have to bring your flatmates for units with 2 or more rooms.
Financial implications? (Deposit)
Deposit equals to 2 months’ rent plus an admin fee of ±R1725 (R1500 plus VAT) (once off and is subject to change) is payable on signature of the lease agreement.
December rental is due on or before 1 December and no keys will be handed out without December rentals having been paid.
Who is responsible for signing of a lease agreement?
All lease agreements must be signed by a responsible working parent or guardian. Proof of income will be requested as well as references / credit checks.
Could I just close the nail holes with toothpaste or painters’ mate and just dabb a similar colour paint onto these spots?
No. The entire wall needs to be repainted professionally. As per lease agreement, the apartment needs to be handed back in the same condition it was received. Your deposit WILL be used to fix such items on your departure, so please do not try to take a chance. It only becomes unpleasant. Show the necessary respect for the apartment and for the legal lease that was signed.
If I’ve hit my bedroom door and there is a hole, could we just fix it with “woodmix”?
No. The door will need to be replaced at your cost.
If I don’t open my windows and the bathroom walls and ceilings start to show mould – could I just claim that it was like that or stay silent?
Please open some windows after your showers to get rid of excess moisture.
If I lose my keys, will Neelsie have spare keys for me?
No, we do not keep spare keys. Keys and tags remain your responsibility. We suggest you cut a spare set and leave with a friend.
Why do we have to sign such a lengthy and detailed lease. Surely it could be done on 5 pages.
Our lease agreement has been fine-tuned and amended over a period of 30 years and is as detailed as it is because we have seen most things over this period of time in the student rental market. Our lease is not up for negotiation or amendments. If the lease is an issue, it may be best for us not to move forward together.
Can I call my rental agent at any time?
Kindly respect that your rental agent also has a family and other personal duties and commitments. We ask that office hours be respected and that all correspondence will be via email for ease of reference as well as for record purposes. WhatsApp messages should please be used only in case of extreme emergencies as our rental agents work with anything between 60 – 130 properties each. This is no easy job and they deserve medals for each 12 month cycle that they survive!
Could my name go onto a waiting list for rentals for the next rental cycle?
Unfortunately, this is simply not possible due to the high volumes that we work with. As per the lease agreement, tenants are to advise their rental agent by 1 August of each year of their intention to renew or not. A list of available properties will be published on our website and hard copies available from our offices.
Why do we already have to advise whether we will renew or not by 1 August of each year?
We are aware that many of you find this date too early, but due to the nature of the business this is the only way we can ensure a smooth transition into the next rental cycle for all concerned.
Why do I have to allow viewings of the apartment that I rent from mid August onwards?
Just as you needed to view the available options prior to moving in, the next tenant has to do the same. It is never a great time for anyone, so please just accept it for what it is and rather help us to finalize a new rental sooner rather than later for peace to return to your apartment asap.
BOTTOM LINE:
- Take care of the apartment like it is your own and report damages within 24 hours to your rental agent.
- Make sure rent is paid on time
- Follow the above basics and we will never have any arguments about penalties or deposit monies being held back.
REMINDER:
We primarily take care of our investors’ properties as a rental agency. Please therefore understand and your responsibilities and show the necessary respect as young adults – to your parents who pay for the privilege you have to stay in an apartment whilst studying, to the Neelsie rental team who is incredibly dedicated, but are also only human with 24 hours in their days and lastly to the landlords whose property you will be occupying for the duration of your stay.