My partner and I attended the PIN Investor Letting Workshop in Feb 2008 with no expectations as we already considered ourselves to be rather knowledgeable in the art of letting property.  We have a few properties on our books and have been using standard contracts and 'gut feel' screening to place tenants and manage the properties.  Needless to say, we were in for quite a surprise on the day. 

Within the first 15 minutes, we realized that we had better start taking some notes as we clearly had LOTS to learn.  We started the session going through the legalities of renting properties out ... I was amazed at how many things I did not know pertaining to both landlord as well as tenant privileges.  It was not long into this session that we also found out that the advice we have received from other guru's in the property market would see us lands us in trouble if followed and done in the matter they advocate.

Karen and Sean then shared some 'nuggets of wisdom' on how to find and screen the right tenants, how to manage them and how to evict them legally if they become non-performing tenants.  We received some key contact information and most of all - we were given AND taken through (step-by-step) a legally sound contract for residential letting that favors the landlord and empowers him to deal with all types of issues.

We walked out of the seminar feeling that it was money well spent and have recommended it to our friends that are currently dabbling in property investment.  We then sat down and went through our letting agencies methods, contracts and administration.  We ended up giving them notice as we felt (after discussions with them) that we were better equipped to handle the letting process than they were.  I was, in fact, getting a huge kick informing them of issues that they were not aware of. 

As a matter of fact ... of the 3 places where we've used the new contract and new practices that we were taught, we have yet to receive a late payment (or non-payment) on the rent or experience any problems with the tenants. 

I can recommend this course as the one course you MUST do before renting out your own or someone else's property (rental agents ... take note!).  It is money well spent and the support received from Sean and Karen on the PIN forums after the course rounds off the total package rather nicely.  All queries were answered within 24 hours (or less!).  Well done Sean and Karen.  Keep up the good work and keep the education coming!". Eugené L. Pienaar - JHB

The biggest lesson is that you need to use the correct lease agreement and perhaps even more importantly, you need to UNDERSTAND your lease agreement.

The workshop helped me understand the lease agreement and how I can use it to my advantage, especially when it comes to cancellations and terminations. I have avoided many headaches by attending the workshop because it gave me a clear idea of what you can or should do when a tenant is not paying the rent. And as a bonus it’s also really interesting stuff!. Johan van den Berg – JHB

Having recently completed the above course at home, I enjoyed being able to do the course at one's own pace. The audio and visual impact of the presentation was effective, improving my concentration. Manipulation of the variables entered as lumpsums and additional monthly payments was most insightful. Generally there were many useful tips and facts given by the tutor and this was also enlightening and helpful. Richard Fouracres - Ladysmith KZN

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I have had 4 tenants over a period of 10 years. I was very fortunate in that they were all good, reliable tenants. I had however seen a few of my colleagues go through absolute hell with bad tenants. I’m talking about really BAD tenants. While searching the internet for a lease agreement I stumbled upon the PINN webpage and signed up for their “Investor Letting Workshop “

It was the best choice that I have made in a long time. At the end of the day I was more confident in my role as a landlord as I had just learnt. Don’t end up like my colleagues whose experience was so stressful that they sold their properties. Rather arm yourself with knowledge that will make letting a win – win situation. Take the opportunity to learn, I am truly grateful that I did - Elaine Fike

I found the rental workshop very informative. I am a registered real estate agent with a franchise group and I was amazed how many legally protective clauses were inserted in your agreement. I have used many rental agreements before and not one of these agreements was adequate in this respect. Karen I find your agreement 100 % complete and your knowledge on the subject is unsurpassable. Your lease agreement is in daily use in my property rental portfolio. Thank you. Alex Nicolaou - Registered Estate agent in Edenvale.

Before I took the Calculating Residential Deals course, I was pretty active in the search and buying residential property. I was spending at least 10 hours a week just on this activity. After the course, I was stunned at the time I was wasting to find just one property. It has helped me focus my searches to areas and properties and suit me and qualify and disqualify a potential property by the numbers in just a few minutes. Alex J. - Cape Town

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