When Should You Start Shopping For Your New Flat?

Whether you have been thinking of changing suburbs or want to move to another city completely, planning your move well in advance will help a great deal. But when is the perfect time to start shopping for a new flat? In this article, we will look at seasons when most apartments are available so you can take advantage of renting, how leases work, how you start looking for an apartment, and the ways you can start preparing yourself for moving into your new home. 

‘Tis The Season? 

The end of the year is often the time most people make new plans and changes to their current lifestyles. Students are most likely to go home, and people generally start changing certain things in preparation for the new year. That’s why most rental and housing companies experience turnover towards the end of the year. From November all the way through to February, there is traffic with move-ins and move-outs, and that is where you should also take advantage of the opportunity. Most rental companies run special promotions by the end of the year with offers such as the first month being free, no deposit being needed, or a month’s worth of electricity loaded into your account should you sign up with them. Go for those promotions, as they will aid in your moving expenses and make your life a lot easier. 

End Of One Lease, Start Of A New One 

When it comes to leases and rental agreements, most, if not all, of the rental companies work the same. There is a list of responsibilities they need to uphold as a company, such as offering you a safe space, maintaining the running of the building, and ensuring every tenant lives freely and fairly, and the ones you will need to be responsible for, such as keeping their walls untainted, not misusing the communal facilities, and being a good neighbour. If you have never applied for a flat rental, here’s what you will need to qualify for a flat with Johannesburg Housing Company:

• 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.

Flat Secured, Now What? 

Now the real work starts. If you are moving from flat to flat, it may be time to hand in your notice at your current flat. You want to do this a month or two beforehand (depending on your lease) so that your rental company is prepared to put your flat on the market. Your rental company will need to perform an inspection when you leave, so ensure you leave the flat how you first found it; clean, empty, and full of life. 

If you are moving for the first time (whether from student residency or your parents’ home), do not be scared by all the things you feel you will need to accomplish in order to live comfortably in your new space. Start small; because the nicest thing about low-cost housing is that it offers you the opportunity to at least gather more funds to furnish your home. Create a list of essentials you will need and dedicate the first 3-6 months of your new move to getting those essentials for your home. You don’t want to drown yourself in debt just because you want to do everything at once. If you do not have the funds, pacing yourself will help introduce you to living alone and managing the costs that come with renting a flat. 

Final Words, Finding Your Options 

While you know when to find your perfect home, we know the ‘where’ too well. At JHC, we offer affordable flats to rent around Johannesburg in areas such as Marshalltown, which has beautiful, spacious flats that also accommodate those with children. We love living in this city and want you to love where you live too, so talk to JHC today and let’s find you your next home.