A Guide To Renting An Apartment: What You Need To Know

Is it time to get out of your parents’ nest, or are you gearing up to leave the dorm days behind? No matter the reason, you are here because you need what the title offers: a guide to navigating renting. Trust Johannesburg Housing Company to give you all the useful information regarding what you need to know about renting an apartment for the first time, where to look, and which documents you need to have at your disposal. 

First Up; Determine Your Budget 

As a first-time renter, it is expected that you will over-estimate your costs in an effort to rid yourself of the surprise of unexpected extra costs. However, you can simply avoid estimating and start realistically looking at how you will finance this new milestone you’re about to get to. Rental agencies and financial advisors within the renting and property space often advise us to ensure that our rental costs account for 30% or less of our salaries. This is not always possible to achieve when living in buzzing cities like Johannesburg, which means you will have to compensate for that cost through your living expenses. 

You can get an estimate of your rental costs by taking a look at JHC buildings in the Jozi suburbs you’d like to rent and start working on your budget from there. You will find that your new estimate is now realistic and achievable. 

Locate Your Location 

If you’re anything like our Jozi residents, you probably have more than one spot on your list of Jozi suburbs and inner cities to live in. If you are new to Joburg, narrowing down your list may feel like a mission because you don’t know the places for sure and have to rely on renting there to get to know them. Here are some questions to help you decide which inner Jozi city flat will be perfect for you under JHC: 

• How close will you be to work or your business when living there? 
• Do you want to drive to work and other places, or are you taking public transport? 
• If you’re driving, narrow your places down to those with parking 
• If you’re taking public transport, are you close to the ranks and places to access this form of transportation? 
• How far are you from places like the mall, the doctor, restaurants, etc.? 

The above questions will help you figure out where to go and open up a portal for more questions and things to consider when it comes to choosing your first apartment. 

Consider Cutting Costs 

One of the most cost-effective ways to budget and manage to live in cities is to consider sharing your apartment with someone else. If you are leaving your parent’s house or a dorm and moving on your own for the first time, money may be one of the things that worry you, as well as managing to keep a household functioning by yourself. Rid yourself of the stress and ease your way into this independent level of your life by having a roommate. Now, we can’t do much about your choice of roommates, but we can advise that you vet them thoroughly with things like interviews, meeting up to show them your place, and getting references to confirm they are the type of people you can live with. A great way to find a great roommate is also consulting your personal network and social circle. Find out if any of your friends and loved ones know anyone needing a place to share and take it from there. Having a roommate will save you money and rid you of unnecessary loneliness. 

Sorting Out The Admin 

If there is one thing the Johannesburg Housing Company team pride themselves on, it is offering low-income earning Jozi residents affordable apartments to rent in the heart of the city. Over the past three decades, we have developed more than 4,513 rental housing units and set up homes for more than 13,500 people in the middle to low-earning segments. These units range from bachelor apartments to single-room and double-room flats, as well as communal facilities. We have pioneered a sustainable model of developing social housing in the inner city and surrounding areas, and we achieved this by building neighbourhoods with qualified building management who put tenants first at all times. Want to live with us? Here’s what you need to start your application process: 

• Certified copy of original ID document or valid passport and permit
• Original or certified copy of latest payslip
• Original or certified copy of 3 months recent bank statements if you are employed
• Original or certified copy of 6 months recent bank statements if you are self-employed
• Certified copy of company or close corporation registration forms, if applicable 

Final Words 

Families, single parents and their children, young working couples, professionals, blue-collar workers, students, and the elderly have all made JHC buildings their homes because of our commitment to providing Johannesburg residents with the best, most comfortable, and affordable housing and if, you want to join the team that loves where you live, come to JHC. The application process is easy, and you can find a form here. Plus, if you are a tenant and refer someone to us, you will get a reward.

From needing an apartment to what you need to rent an apartment, JHC has answers for you, so come live with the people who love the city of Jozi. Want to stay up to date on all things Jozi rentals and vibes? Follow us on all our social media accounts to stay in the know. 

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