Managing Rentals Master Class
Discover insights from the Managing Rentals Master Class underwritten by RMB Structured Insurance Limited. Gain valuable knowledge on current rental industry trends, average rental rates, growth patterns, and the impact of stock shortages on the market. Explore essential information for managing rental portfolios effectively and ensuring financial success.
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Managing Rentals Master Class Managing Rentals Master Class Underwritten by RMB Structured Insurance Limited Practical strategies for safe portfolios 7 18 May 2014 An authorised financial services provider FSP 43441
First, a note on CPD points First, a note on CPD points 60 points need to be earned in a 3-year cycle (20 points per year) Points are split into 2 categories, namely verified and non-verified Currently the EAAB is the only body allowed to provide verified training Non-verified training has to conform to time and content requirements (duration & relevancy) 3-year Cycle (60 points) Verified (45 points) Non-verified (25 points) Education and training Professional development (max 5) Corporate social investment (max 5) Mentoring and coaching (max 5) Reading and publishing (max 5) Personal development (max 5)
And then a word on who we are And then a word on who we are
Our agenda for this morning Our agenda for this morning An authorised financial services provider FSP 43441
The State of the Rental Industry The State of the Rental Industry Q1 2014 Q1 2014 An authorised financial services provider FSP 43441
Average rentals touch on R6 000 Average rentals touch on R6 000 Current weighted average rental in South Africa is R5 934
Growth Growth starting starting to slow down to slow down Growth rates are slowing down after hitting a high of 10.8% in October 2013 Current year-on-year growth rate is 8.4%
Stock shortages driving increases Stock shortages driving increases A lack of stock formation over the past decade has created shortages Stock shortages are driving increases, not improvements in the underlying economy
Limpopo Limpopo normalising normalising Limpopo is starting to slow down Mpumalanga continues its stable growth Eastern Cape stages an impressive recovery Northern Cape is the new emerging star Free State continues to struggle Western Cape, KZN and Gauteng continue to experience stable growth Very little movement in the North West
Damage deposit ratios reach their limit Damage deposit ratios reach their limit Stabilisation in damage deposit ratio Currently at 1.29 times the average rental value (down from a high of 1.33 times) It seems that there is a limit to what tenants can afford Growth of deposit replacement products
Low Low but stable investor returns but stable investor returns Both net and gross yields remain stable despite rental growth Increase in property values neutralises gross yield gains Increase in cost of ownership neutralises net yield gains Remember that the yield calculation does not take capital growth into account if that is added in, it increases to 12.81% Rental yields therefore only cover the cost of ownership and investment opportunity costs
Counter Counter- -intuitive provinces lead the pack intuitive provinces lead the pack Northern Cape, Limpopo and Mpumalanga offer the best returns for investors High cost of ownership in the Western Cape and Gauteng limit what investors are able to take home
Location, location, location Location, location, location Free State cost of ownership is high because of the ratio of fixed costs relative to extremely low rentals High unit costs in Gauteng and Western Cape are driving up this number in these areas In Limpopo, Northern Cape and Mpumalanga lower costs of ownerships are reflected in the higher yield numbers
Agents defend their commissions Agents defend their commissions Agents seem to have taken a deliberate decision to defend their commissions There was a time that the data showed a declining trend, similar to that of sales commissions We would urge agents to protect this number at all costs
Our predictions for the remainder of 2014 Our predictions for the remainder of 2014 1. Average rental growth will settle in the 8% - 10% range 2. Consumer payment data will continue to deteriorate 3. Damage deposits will become unaffordable to tenants and deposit replacement products will become more commonplace 4. Property investors will not see net yields of above 6% for some time 5. Watch the Northern Cape!
Preparing leases Preparing leases and and mandates mandates An authorised financial services provider FSP 43441
Leases and mandates Leases and mandates Lease agreements and mandates can be divided into three categories. A) Invariable provisions The obligations which the law requires to be part of the contract whether the parties wish to have them or not The Rental Housing Act (RHA), Unfair Practice Regulations, Consumer Protection Act (CPA), Estate Agency Affairs Act (EAAA) Code of Conduct B) Residual provisions The common law obligations which apply in the absence of any agreement to the contrary. Case law and commentary. C) Agreed provisions Those which the parties agreed to themselves as long as they are lawful
The written agreement The written agreement For an agreement to be concluded, all parties should be clear with regard to its terms. In the instance of a lease, issues such as the rental payable and the duration of the lease should be addressed and agreed upon. In the instance of a mandate, issues such as the commission payable, duties i.e. to procure or manage and duration of the mandate should be addressed and agreed upon. There is a risk of uncertainty between the parties on these essential terms in the absence of a written agreement. Moreover, each party may hold a differing view as to what they agreed upon at the outset and proving who is correct becomes difficult without a written agreement. The burden of proof typically rests on the party alleging an agreement contains a specific term and he may be hard-pressed to render satisfactory proof of the problematic provision. Therefore a written agreement provides both parties with greater peace of mind due to the clarity established with regard to their rights and obligations and to their continued relationship.
The lease The lease The Rental Housing Act (RHA) requires the landlord to reduce the lease agreement to writing if the tenant so demands, making it a legal requirement in the case of residential leases. (s 5 (2) RHA) The Consumer Protection Act (CPA) provides that: The producer of a notice or document . that is required, in terms of this Act or any other law, .. must produce, provide or display that notice or document . a) in the form prescribed in terms of this Act or any other legislation, if any, for that notice, document ; or b) in plain language, (s 22 (1) CPA) A properly drafted lease will provide that the Landlord can cancel the lease if the rent is late. It should state that where there has been any other breach of the lease terms, the landlord has a right to terminate the lease. Restricting usage of the premises: The only way to restrict what the tenant does in the property is to have limitations in a written lease on what the tenant can and cannot do. This can prevent the tenant doing something which may be a nuisance, and could depress rental values on other properties or stigmatise the property they are occupying.
The mandate The mandate Mandates could be written, oral or tacit It provides that the agent must fulfill the terms of the mandate, after which the agent is entitled to his commission Marketing only: -The agent is only responsible for finding a tenant, nothing further, and is not responsible for the ongoing management of the property. Management: -The agent will take care of virtually everything (apart from what the owner excludes). Remuneration is usually higher than in the case where the estate agent only markets the property
The mandate The mandate Ensure there is a clear, written contract detailing exactly what services the agent will provide in return for his management. Commission fees: How much? Management fees: Is it a set amount or a percentage of the rent? Renewal fees: What charges does the owner incur when the tenant wishes to renew the lease? Deposit details: Who holds the deposit? Can the agent hand over the keys to the premises before the deposit and first months rental is received? Payment of rental: How long after the agent receives the rental will it be paid over to the landlord? Repairs and emergencies: How much can the agent spend without the owner s consent? Marketing of the property: Will it be done via newspaper, internet, signs in front of property, etc? Rent arrears: What steps will the agent take to ensure arrear rentals are paid?
The CPA The CPA An authorised financial services provider FSP 43441
The CPA in general The CPA in general It applies to the mandate between a rental agent and landlord (where the landlord (the consumer)is a natural person or a juristic entity below the threshold of R2 million) It applies to the lease agreement between a landlord and tenant (where the tenant(the consumer) is a natural person or a juristic entity below the Threshold of R2 million ) The maximum length of the mandate or lease agreement is 24 months, unless a longer period is expressly agreed and the supplier can show a demonstrable financial benefit to the consumer. A tenant may cancel the lease agreement; or a Landlord may cancel the mandate at the expiry of the fixed term without any penalty.
The CPA in general The CPA in general A tenant may cancel the lease agreement; or a landlord may cancel the mandate at any time during the fixed term by giving 20 business days notice, however a reasonable cancellation penalty may be charged taking into account the following in terms of section 5 of the Final Regulations: amount the consumer is still liable for up to date of cancellation; value of transaction up to cancellation; duration of initial agreement; losses suffered or benefits accrued to the consumer; length of notice of cancellation provided by the consumer; reasonable potential for the service provider, acting diligently, to find an alternative consumer; general practice of the relevant industry. Sections 11 -13 allow for a 5-day cancellation by the tenant if the contract is the result of direct marketing
Section 2(9) of the CPA Section 2(9) of the CPA If there is an inconsistency between any provision of this Act and a provision of any Act not contemplated in subsection (8)- the provisions of both Acts apply concurrently, to the extent that it is possible to apply and comply with one of the inconsistent provisions without contravening the second; and to the extent that paragraph (a) cannot apply, the provision that extends the greater protection to a consumer prevails over the alternative provision. In short, the CPA will, inevitably, trump the RHA and EAAA
Section 14 CPA for landlords Section 14 CPA for landlords The landlord (or his rental agent) or must contact the Tenant between 40 and 80 business days before the expiry of the lease: to notify the tenant in writing that the lease is about to expire and should the tenant wish to renew what any material changes would apply for example the increased rent. The tenant may then choose not to renew and must vacate the property on the expiry date. The tenant may choose to renew and enter into another fixed-term lease at the agreed new terms and conditions. The tenant may choose not to respond to the notice, in which case the lease continues on a month-to-month basis as per the material changes in the notice to the tenant. The tenant is then responsible to provide the landlord (or his rental agent) with a calendar months notice.
Section 14 CPA for rental agents Section 14 CPA for rental agents The rental agent must contact the landlord between 40 and 80 business days before the expiry of the mandate: to notify the landlord in writing that the mandate is about to expire and should the landlord wish to renew what any material changes would apply for example the increased commission. The landlord may then choose not to renew the mandate on the expiry date. The landlord may choose to renew and enter into another fixed term mandate at the agreed new terms and conditions. The landlord may choose not to respond to the notice, in which case the mandate continues on a month-to-month basis as per the material changes in the notice to the landlord. The landlord is then responsible to provide the rental agent with a calendar month s notice.
Deposits Deposits An authorised financial services provider FSP 43441
Deposits Deposits Tenant usually pays a security/damages deposit to the landlord at the beginning of the rental term. In most cases, the deposit is used as security for repair or damage to the rental unit occurring during the tenancy, and/or the return of the property. The Rental Housing Act (s5) Requires the deposit be invested in an interest-bearing account with a financial institution which interest must be paid to the tenant Where the landlord is a registered estate agent the deposit and any interest thereon shall be dealt with in accordance with the provisions of the Estate Agency Affairs Act The deposit may be used to pay all amounts for which the tenant is liable under the lease, including the reasonable cost of repairing damage to the dwelling during the lease and the cost of replacing lost keys The tenant may not be held liable for fair wear and tear Ingoing and outgoing Inspections MUST be held, failing which the landlord must refund the entire deposit RHT are adamant about this. The landlord must provide receipts and factual proof of expenditure before making deductions
Can the landlord increase the security deposit Can the landlord increase the security deposit after the tenant moves in? after the tenant moves in? This is dependent on the terms of the lease agreement. The security deposit cannot be increased during the term of the lease, unless allowed by the lease. In the case of a periodic lease agreement (month-to-month lease), the landlord can increase the security deposit on one month s notice. However, allowing the landlord to unilaterally determine the amount of the increase may be unlawful: It may constitute oppressive conduct for purposes of the Rental Housing Act It may also constitute an unfair, unreasonable or unjust term for purposes of the Consumer Protection Act It is advisable that the lease agreement state the percentage by which the deposit will increase and when
How large can a deposit be? How large can a deposit be? Neither the amount of the deposit nor the type of cover a landlord can accept instead of a deposit is regulated by either the Rental Housing Act or the Consumer Protection Act. The only restriction is that contained in the Rental Housing Act, stating that it may not exceed an amount equivalent to an amount specified in the agreement or otherwise agreed to between the parties (s5(1)(c) RHA It follows that the parties are free to agree on the amount of the deposit and a deposit replacement guarantee.
For what can the security deposit be used? For what can the security deposit be used? There are essentially four (4) things which the landlord may use the security deposit 1. For unpaid rent 2. For cleaning the rental unit when the tenant moves out, if the unit is not as clean as when it was rented 3. For repairs if necessitated by the tenant or the tenant's guests (but not for ordinary wear and tear and damages which existed before the tenant moved in) 4. The cost of restoring or replacing personal property (including keys), furniture, or furnishings (excluding ordinary wear and tear) A landlord can withhold only those amounts that are reasonably necessary for these purposes.
For what For what can t can t the security deposit be used? the security deposit be used? For repairing or replacing items damaged only by normal wear and tear For repairing defects that existed in the unit before the tenant moved in For cleaning a rental unit that is reasonably clean
When must a security deposit be refunded? When must a security deposit be refunded? If an outgoing inspection is held, not later than 14 days after restoration of the dwelling to the landlord If the tenant does not appear at the outgoing inspection, not later than 21 days after expiration of the lease
Understanding tenant Understanding tenant r risk isk An authorised financial services provider FSP 43441
Tenant risk Tenant risk g guide uide We will cover the following points: We will cover the following points: What are the risks and how can they be mitigated? Explain the importance of tenant assessment and some tools What to look out for - contracting party vs. the tenant identity fraud The purpose of using credit history in evaluating tenant risk The requirement for consent - the relevance of the POPI Act Knowing who to use credit reports the basics What can be buried in the detail - number of accounts, recent checks How are these reports are compiled - credit bureaux and the CPA Why tenants can be declined - case study: DepositGuarantee rules
Tenant risk: summary Tenant risk: summary o overview verview A definition of risk: The probability or threat of quantifiable damage, injury, liability, loss, or any other negative occurrence that is caused by external or internal vulnerabilities, and that may be avoided through preemptive action. Quantifiable damage the usual suspects: property, possessions, cashflow The lesser-known, greater threat opportunity cost What can go wrong the tenant: doesn t/can t pay rent will not vacate the property damages the property thinks the damage deposit is for the last month s rental Corrective action: legal, contractual remedies and processes Preemptive action: tenant assessment tools
Tenant assessment Tenant assessment t tools ools You are your landlord s appointed risk manager Preemptive action: tenant assessment tools Identity verification checks: Who is this person? Are they who they say they are? Reference checks: What relationships do they keep? Work, family, friends Credit checks: What has their financial behaviour been like over time? Tenancy checks: What is their track record in rent, care of property etc? Affordability checks: Can they meet their financial commitments into the future?
What to look out for What to look out for Identification verification checks: Does the ID number match the name of the tenant on the credit check Do you have a full set of 3rd party contact details for the tenant Credit checks: (historical view) Check more than just the credit history Recency: When was the last time they applied for credit? Frequency: How often have they applied in the last three months? Affordability checks: (future view) Can the tenant fulfill their current credit commitments? Compare amount of credit authorised vs. curent credit available Tenancy checks: (behavioural view) Did the tenant pay on time, in full & completed lease, liability free?
Amnesty Act? Amnesty Act? National Credit Amendment Bill: National Credit Amendment Bill: The credit amnesty is not an amnesty as commonly understood a chance for errant debtors to have the slate wiped clean. Rather, it entails changes in the type of information that is kept on debtors, and puts the onus on credit bureaus to clean up the records of those who have repaid their debts: Credit bureaus had until April 30 to remove from the records of those who have repaid their debts any adverse classification of consumer behaviour and adverse classification of enforcement action. Terms that must be removed include "slow paying", "delinquent", "defaulter", "absconded" or "not contactable". Under the amended act, credit bureaus must automatically remove this information as soon as a debtor repays a debt. Factual and detailed payment profiles will be retained for a period of five years, enabling credit providers to obtain a detailed history of a potential debtor s payment behaviour (Partick Bracher, 2014: Norton Rose) (Partick Bracher, 2014: Norton Rose)
Importance of consent Importance of consent Protection of Personal Information Act Protection of Personal Information Act (POPI (POPI): ): Covers information relating to clients, suppliers, employees, persons receiving marketing information, persons present on premises etc. All personal information which is protected incl.: race, gender, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, age, physical/mental health, religion, criminal and financial records. Sources of information impacted include payroll data, CVs, employment applications, HR & security records, standard information, even internal emails. Existing manuals created in terms of the Promotion of Access to Information Act which spell out the company s policy must be updated in line with PoPI. Explicit permission needs to be given for collection and use before data is collected. Data can only be collected from public domain; no more rented database lists Companies will also need to motivate why they need to keep certain data. Individuals need to be informed for how long information will be kept. (Institute of Directors SA, 2014)
Where does the information come from? Where does the information come from? Credit & tenancy Credit & tenancy c checks: hecks: TransUnion ITC & Experian US headquarters & UK headquarters respectively Compuscan SA headquarters grew out of serving the microfinance industry PayProp Capital partner TPN Currently the sole source of tenancy data in South Africa Credit Providers Association Group of SA retailers, banks, insurers, other service providers Share data on client payment history, stored by credit bureaus PayProp Capital is a registered CPA member
Case Study: PayProp Deposit Case Study: PayProp DepositGuarantee Guarantee Underwritten by RMB Structured Insurance: Cover = 2,5 x monthly rental amount up to R50,000 maximum 1 x month loss of rental - remainder damages, utility, legal costs Eligibility process: Credit history: No. of accounts & payment discipline Affordability: future view in terms of indemnified risk Adverse conditions: judgements, defaults, traces Experience to date: 55% of Applicants Ineligible Mostly credit & adverse history: serious financial distress Cross check of different reports & data sources recommended
Tools for the journey Tools for the journey IN ASSO CIATIO N W ITH PAYPROP DEPO SITG U AR ANTEE SUGGESTED TENANT AGREEMENT CLAUSE O FFICE 087 820 7260 | FAX 086 615 0176 | support@paypropcapital.com | www.paypropcapital.com PRACTICE NOTE: The issue of a deposit is regulated by both the Rental Housing Act Section 5(3) (d) and the Estate Agency Affairs Act Section 32. The deposit provides security for a landlord in the event of damages or arrear rental being owed upon the expir y of the lease. Deposits, however, are but one option the landlord has. T o cater for another option, please find below a draft clause for insertion into your lease agreement. It s very important that you look carefully at the wording of your lease because the this clause may need to be adjusted to fit in with the lease, so that the option of the Deposit Replacement Agreement will not only be in place, but also provide the protection the landlord and tenant need. The clause below is in italics and is also repeated in the Deposit clause below to give you some guidance: Notwithstanding anything else contained herein, the landlord may (in his/her/its sole discretion) accept a written guarantee (in a form acceptable to him/her/it) instead of payment of the deposit (or part ther eof) as contemplated/ provided for herein (above). This clause simply means that, irrespective of what else the lease might say about deposits, the landlord has the right to accept a written guarantee, such as the Deposit R eplacement Agreement , instead of a cash deposit, or a portion of the cash deposit. Please remember that if you are using another word to describe the landlord in your lease agreement, such as lessor, owner etc, please change the word landlord in your deposit replacement agreement accordingly in the clause, to avoid ambiguity. 1 Version number 1 April 2014 PayProp Capital (Pty) Ltd, an authorised financial services provider FSP 43441 U nderwritten by R MB Structured Insurance Limited FSP 1027
Reconciling Reconciling trust trust a accounts ccounts An authorised financial services provider FSP 43441
What are my legal responsibilities? What are my legal responsibilities? 29. Duty of estate agent to keep accounting records 29. Duty of estate agent to keep accounting records 1) Every estate agent shall in respect of his activities as such - a) keep in one of the official languages at an address in the Republic such accounting records as are necessary fairly to reflect and explain the state of affairs - i) of all moneys received or expended by him, including moneys deposited to trust account referred to in section 32(1) or invested in a savings or other interest-bearing account referred to in section 32(2)(a); ii) of all his assets and liabilities; and iii) of all his financial transactions and the financial position of his business; b) cause the accounting records referred to in paragraph (a) to be audited by an auditor within four months after the final date of the financial year of the estate agent, which final date shall after the commencement of section 9 of the Estate Agents Amendment Act, 1984, not be altered by him without the prior written approval of the board. 1. The responsibility to audit both the trust and business accounts is not new and has been in the Act since 1976 2. Both the section 32(1) [transactional] and section 32(2) [deposit accounts] accounts need to be audited 3. If you open a separate 32(2) account for each tenant s deposit, you need to declare EVERY ONE in your audit submission to the EAAB 32. Trust account of and investment of trust moneys by estate agent 32. Trust account of and investment of trust moneys by estate agent 3) Every estate agent shall - a) keep separate accounting records of all moneys deposited by him in his trust account and of all moneys invested by him in any savings or other interest bearing account referred to in subsection (2)(a); b) balance his books and records relating to any account referred to in paragraph (a) at intervals of not more than one month, and cause them to be audited by the auditor referred to in section 29(b), within four months after the final date of the financial year of the estate agent concerned 4. You need to reconcile all your trust accounts every month and you need to be able to show that you have done so
What is the prescribed format? What is the prescribed format? The EAAB prescribed six-page document needs to be submitted four months after the end of your financial year In the report your auditor all the sections on the previous slide have been complied with all the trust accounts of the business are explicitly listed any qualifications on the audit of both the business and trust accounts are mentioned you have a valid FFC you have a FIC registration number where you have paid interest to tenants that you had the contractual right to do so your trust account never went into the negative that they are a registered auditor and are appropriately licensed to audit trust accounts your auditor confirms that: In signing the report the principals are fully in charge of how the financial system of the agency is run have put appropriate measures in place to ensure the proper financial administration of the business and trust accounts are responsible for ensuring this report reaches the EAAB on time the principals of the agency confirm that they:
Things to remember Things to remember Things to remember If there is a qualification on your audit the issuing of your FFC will be delayed It is YOUR YOUR responsibility to ensure it his handed in on time and to be able to prove it Just because your auditor completed and submitted it, it does not mean you are absolved of responsibility of the content
What is a bank reconciliation? What is a bank reconciliation? Essentially a comparison between the balance of your trust account and the result of your accounting calculations Ensures that your records and the records of your financial institution are in agreement Enables you to determine if there were any errors made in receiving or disbursing funds and the posting of transactions to your accounting records Is done by comparing the balance of your bank account, according to your bank statement, with the balance of the account according to your accounting records It further identifies any causes of differences, including any corrections that you or the bank may have had to make to correct the balances The results of this activity are recorded in a formal trust account reconciliation statement
Why are there reconciliation differences? Why are there reconciliation differences? Unidentified incoming payments that are never allocated in your accounting system Payments that reflect incorrect amounts (especially cash deposits) Debit order failures after payments have been made Internal accounting movements that happen outside of your banking system Not taking bank charges into account Timing differences between receipt and reflection Timing differences between reflection and recording Posting errors on your accounting system Malicious editing of upload/download files if you use them Submission failures on upload/download files if you use them
