All the advantages of prepaid water and electricity meters

Prepaid water and electricity meters are becoming increasingly well-liked for their array of advantages, and more and more households around South Africa are having them installed. If you're thinking of having a prepaid meter installed - either in your own home or in a property that you rent out or manage - read on. Jawitz Properties has put together a breakdown of all the advantages of going prepaid.

How do prepaid meters work?

Simply put, if a prepaid meter is in place, the consumer - be it you or your tenant - has to pay for their utilities before they are used. These meters can be topped up with credit that can be bought both online and at various retailers. It works the same way that prepaid airtime does - you can consume the amount of water or electricity that you have paid for, and when your balance hits R0, you will need to recharge to get the lights on and the water running. Of course, it is better to recharge before you run out.

The advantages of prepaid meters for landlords

Having prepaid meters installed removes significant stress from landlords' shoulders, as there is never a moment's worry about whether or not your tenant is going to pay his or her utilities bill. Thanks to the capabilities of private submetering, water and electricity meters can be installed in any lettable space - whether you're letting out one granny flat or several apartments within a block of flats.

Modern meters come equipped with enhanced security features to prevent meter tampering and the entire property rental process is simplified by the fact that tenants simply pay directly for the electricity that they use. In addition, property owners and managers can access a comprehensive range of reports that help to monitor and manage their tenants' usage.

Prepaid meters also mean less hassle when a new tenant moves in. There's no need to explain how the monthly billing process works - simply show them the meter and how to top it up when required. It's quick and easy to get prepaid meters set up and, in a nutshell, they will save you time and money while helping you to avoid unnecessary hassles with your tenant.

Thanks to water meters, you'll immediately hear from your tenant if there is a suspected leak. This empowers you to reduce water wastage and unnecessary expenditure.

The advantages enjoyed by tenants

From your tenant's perspective, prepaid electricity also has a myriad of advantages. For starters, it allows them to effectively monitor and manage their daily usage and costs. There are no worries about building up debt, as they know that the water and electricity that they are using have already been paid for.

It can be challenging - especially when it comes to water - for tenants to monitor their usage. Being on a prepaid system gives tenants a clear understanding of how much water they are using and what the associated costs are. Balances are clearly displayed on meter screens, encouraging tenants to be waterwise and mindful of both the water and electricity that they're consuming.

Getting prepaid water and electricity meters installed is just one of the ways you can make your life easier as a landlord. You can also entrust your rental to Jawitz Properties and let us take care of finding you a great tenant and managing the relationship on an ongoing basis. Contact us today and let's chat about how we can help you maximise your investment.