--- title: Safeguarding your commercial property description: In this article Breytenbach deals with four of the more pertinent issues, offering some suggestions on how to lessen their impact. image: https://res.cloudinary.com/rawson/image/upload/v1/remote/blog/staging/posts/2308/fw4QzOJeCl4VoVSQPyBGuAfe07VhdYIIOGnrieGi.jpeg --- [![Rawson Property Group logo](https://blog.rawson.co.za/hs-fs/hubfs/Rawson%20-June2017/image/logo-rawson-property-group-white-112x26.png?width=113&height=26&name=logo-rawson-property-group-white-112x26.png "Rawson Property Group logo")](https://www.rawson.co.za/) [![Rawson Property Group logo](https://blog.rawson.co.za/hs-fs/hubfs/Rawson%20-June2017/image/blog-logo.png?width=113&height=26&name=blog-logo.png "Rawson Property Group logo")](https://www.rawson.co.za/) [More Menu ](https://blog.rawson.co.za/as-a-new-or-first-time-commercial-property-owner-there-are-certain-situations-you-need-to-take-precaution-in-order-to-keep-your-investment-safe-and-profitable#footer) - [Blog](https://blog.rawson.co.za) - [Safeguarding your commercial property](https://blog.rawson.co.za/as-a-new-or-first-time-commercial-property-owner-there-are-certain-situations-you-need-to-take-precaution-in-order-to-keep-your-investment-safe-and-profitable) # Safeguarding your commercial property [![Share on Facebook](https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hub/251674/hubfs/1px.png?width=24&name=1px.png)](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.rawson.co.za%2Fas-a-new-or-first-time-commercial-property-owner-there-are-certain-situations-you-need-to-take-precaution-in-order-to-keep-your-investment-safe-and-profitable%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dfacebook) [![Share on LinkedIn](https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hub/251674/hubfs/1px.png?width=24&name=1px.png)](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.rawson.co.za%2Fas-a-new-or-first-time-commercial-property-owner-there-are-certain-situations-you-need-to-take-precaution-in-order-to-keep-your-investment-safe-and-profitable%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dlinkedin) [![Share on Twitter](https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hub/251674/hubfs/1px.png?width=24&name=1px.png)](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.rawson.co.za%2Fas-a-new-or-first-time-commercial-property-owner-there-are-certain-situations-you-need-to-take-precaution-in-order-to-keep-your-investment-safe-and-profitable%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&url=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.rawson.co.za%2Fas-a-new-or-first-time-commercial-property-owner-there-are-certain-situations-you-need-to-take-precaution-in-order-to-keep-your-investment-safe-and-profitable%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&source=tweetbutton&text=Safeguarding%20your%20commercial%20property) [![Share on Pinterest](https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hub/251674/hubfs/1px.png?width=24&name=1px.png)](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.rawson.co.za%2Fas-a-new-or-first-time-commercial-property-owner-there-are-certain-situations-you-need-to-take-precaution-in-order-to-keep-your-investment-safe-and-profitable%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dpinterest&media=http%3A%2F%2Fcdn1.hubspot.com%2Fhub%2F158015%2F305390_10100548508246879_837195_59275782_6882128_n.jpg) As a new or first time commercial property owner, there are certain situations against which you would be wise to take precaution in order to keep your investment safe and profitable. “Most problems which arise may be avoided or minimised with a little advance planning,” says Leon Breytenbach, National Manager of the Rawson Property Group’s commercial division. In this article Breytenbach deals with four of the more pertinent issues, offering some suggestions on how to lessen their impact. **Unplanned vacancies** There are various reasons why a commercial property may, at some time or other, experience vacancies. Among other issues, you may have a tenant who has defaulted, or you are asking overpriced rentals, or maybe you are waiting for your ideal tenant to take occupation. “Whatever the reason, you will have missed the regular income from a paying tenant, and also have to find the amount for your monthly bond repayment,” warns Breytenbach. Keeping in mind that you will have a reduced cash-flow, it is recommended that you budget sufficient funds to be available in the event of an extended vacancy. This could force you to accept substandard tenants instead of top grade ones for your property. **Unexpected maintenance and repairs** “At the time of drawing up a commercial lease, it is necessary to define the respective obligations and responsibilities with regard to who pays for what, where the maintenance and upkeep of the property is concerned,” explains Breytenbach. It is, however, essential for the landlord to ensure that he has the available finances to be able cover the costs of any unexpected repairs for which he may be responsible. Dealing with repairs or maintenance as soon as a problem is reported is the recommended approach, whereas delaying the inevitable may, in the long run, lead to greater expense. Delay will also cause aggravation for your tenants, leading to their discontentment. This can also cause your tenants to hold you in lower esteem, causing them to feel that they can be less professional in their future dealings with you.  **Keep abreast of trends** “In order to attract and retain high-paying tenants, your property should offer the latest trends within the changing demands of the commercial property market,” says Breytenbach. Staying abreast of these trends will help you to do just that. In recent years, one of the biggest shifts in tenant requirements has been towards environmentally friendly buildings. Energy efficient offices, grey-water garden irrigation, solar power to assist with water heating, or encouraging your tenants to engage in conscientious recycling are among the ways you can reduce your property’s negative environmental footprint. This should make it a more desirable choice for environmentally aware businesses; in fact, a great selling point. Décor trends are constantly changing so it is advisable to give your property an occasional make-over. This will make the current tenants feel that they are important to you while also attracting prospective tenants. **Sufficient time and capacity** Whether managing a commercial property with multiple tenants or multiple commercial properties, it becomes apparent that you need to have sufficient time and capacity to cope with whatever situation may arise. This is possibly the most underestimated obstacle experienced by a first-time investor. “Problems and situations arising from leased commercial property are often far more time-consuming to resolve than you may imagine,” Breytenbach warns. It often happens  that many problems are unique to a specific tenant or property, sometimes even jeopardising the tenant’s ability to be productive. It would prove useful to have a support team within your employ for the purpose of assisting you in coping quickly and efficiently with any occurring issues. Failing this, you could consider appointing a managing agent with the manpower and time to carry out the day to day running of the property, allowing you the freedom to concentrate on your other business interests. Rawson Commercial currently has offices countrywide with trained agents who would be pleased to assist you in renting out or managing your property. Please contact (021) 658 7100 and we will refer you to your nearest office. ##### For more information, email [marketing@rawsonproperties.com](mailto:marketing@rawsonproperties.com) or visit [www.rawson.co.za](https://www.rawson.co.za/) for the latest market tips and industry news. ## Rawson ### Leave a comment ### More Posts Jul 02, 2026 #### [Stock shortage puts Western Cape sellers in the driving seat](https://blog.rawson.co.za/stock-shortage-puts-western-cape-sellers-in-the-driving-seat) advice [![Share on Facebook](https://blog.rawson.co.za/hs-fs/hubfs/social-uploaded-images/Facebook%20Icons.png?width=24&name=Facebook%20Icons.png)](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.rawson.co.za%2Fas-a-new-or-first-time-commercial-property-owner-there-are-certain-situations-you-need-to-take-precaution-in-order-to-keep-your-investment-safe-and-profitable%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dfacebook) [![Share on LinkedIn](https://blog.rawson.co.za/hs-fs/hubfs/social-uploaded-images/Linkedin%20Icon.png?width=24&name=Linkedin%20Icon.png)](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.rawson.co.za%2Fas-a-new-or-first-time-commercial-property-owner-there-are-certain-situations-you-need-to-take-precaution-in-order-to-keep-your-investment-safe-and-profitable%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dlinkedin) [![Share on Twitter](https://blog.rawson.co.za/hs-fs/hubfs/social-uploaded-images/Twitter.png?width=24&name=Twitter.png)](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.rawson.co.za%2Fas-a-new-or-first-time-commercial-property-owner-there-are-certain-situations-you-need-to-take-precaution-in-order-to-keep-your-investment-safe-and-profitable%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&url=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.rawson.co.za%2Fas-a-new-or-first-time-commercial-property-owner-there-are-certain-situations-you-need-to-take-precaution-in-order-to-keep-your-investment-safe-and-profitable%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&source=tweetbutton&text=Safeguarding%20your%20commercial%20property) May 28, 2026 #### [Rates increase by 25 basis points: What May’s MPC decision means for SA property](https://blog.rawson.co.za/rates-increase-by-25-basis-points-what-mays-mpc-decision-means-for-sa-property) [![Share on Facebook](https://blog.rawson.co.za/hs-fs/hubfs/social-uploaded-images/Facebook%20Icons.png?width=24&name=Facebook%20Icons.png)](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.rawson.co.za%2Fas-a-new-or-first-time-commercial-property-owner-there-are-certain-situations-you-need-to-take-precaution-in-order-to-keep-your-investment-safe-and-profitable%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dfacebook) [![Share on LinkedIn](https://blog.rawson.co.za/hs-fs/hubfs/social-uploaded-images/Linkedin%20Icon.png?width=24&name=Linkedin%20Icon.png)](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.rawson.co.za%2Fas-a-new-or-first-time-commercial-property-owner-there-are-certain-situations-you-need-to-take-precaution-in-order-to-keep-your-investment-safe-and-profitable%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dlinkedin) [![Share on Twitter](https://blog.rawson.co.za/hs-fs/hubfs/social-uploaded-images/Twitter.png?width=24&name=Twitter.png)](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.rawson.co.za%2Fas-a-new-or-first-time-commercial-property-owner-there-are-certain-situations-you-need-to-take-precaution-in-order-to-keep-your-investment-safe-and-profitable%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&url=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.rawson.co.za%2Fas-a-new-or-first-time-commercial-property-owner-there-are-certain-situations-you-need-to-take-precaution-in-order-to-keep-your-investment-safe-and-profitable%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&source=tweetbutton&text=Safeguarding%20your%20commercial%20property) May 19, 2026 #### [Who’s fixing what? Rental property maintenance for landlords and tenants](https://blog.rawson.co.za/whos-fixing-what-rental-property-maintenance-for-landlords-and-tenants) rental-advice [![Share on Facebook](https://blog.rawson.co.za/hs-fs/hubfs/social-uploaded-images/Facebook%20Icons.png?width=24&name=Facebook%20Icons.png)](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.rawson.co.za%2Fas-a-new-or-first-time-commercial-property-owner-there-are-certain-situations-you-need-to-take-precaution-in-order-to-keep-your-investment-safe-and-profitable%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dfacebook) [![Share on LinkedIn](https://blog.rawson.co.za/hs-fs/hubfs/social-uploaded-images/Linkedin%20Icon.png?width=24&name=Linkedin%20Icon.png)](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.rawson.co.za%2Fas-a-new-or-first-time-commercial-property-owner-there-are-certain-situations-you-need-to-take-precaution-in-order-to-keep-your-investment-safe-and-profitable%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dlinkedin) [![Share on Twitter](https://blog.rawson.co.za/hs-fs/hubfs/social-uploaded-images/Twitter.png?width=24&name=Twitter.png)](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.rawson.co.za%2Fas-a-new-or-first-time-commercial-property-owner-there-are-certain-situations-you-need-to-take-precaution-in-order-to-keep-your-investment-safe-and-profitable%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&url=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.rawson.co.za%2Fas-a-new-or-first-time-commercial-property-owner-there-are-certain-situations-you-need-to-take-precaution-in-order-to-keep-your-investment-safe-and-profitable%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&source=tweetbutton&text=Safeguarding%20your%20commercial%20property) [![Rawson Property Group logo](https://blog.rawson.co.za/hs-fs/hubfs/Rawson%20-June2017/image/logo-rawson-property-group-white-112x26.png?width=113&height=26&name=logo-rawson-property-group-white-112x26.png "Rawson Property Group logo")](https://www.rawson.co.za/) Property - [Residential](https://www.rawson.co.za/property/for-sale) - [Commercial](https://www.rawson.co.za/commercial-property/for-sale) - [Bank Mandated](https://www.rawson.co.za/property/for-sale?bank-mandated=1) - [Auctions](https://www.rawson.co.za/property/for-auction) - [New Developments](https://www.rawson.co.za/property/for-sale?new-development=1) Services - [Sell](https://www.rawson.co.za/sell) - [Rent](https://www.rawson.co.za/rentals) - [Commercial](https://www.rawson.co.za/commercial) - [Landlords](https://www.rawson.co.za/landlords) - [Auctions](https://www.rawson.co.za/auctions) Rawson - [Finance](https://www.rawson.co.za/finance) - [Join us](https://www.rawson.co.za/join-us/become-a-rawson-sales-partner) - [Blog](https://blog.rawson.co.za) - [About us](https://www.rawson.co.za/about) Partners - [Private Property](https://www.privateproperty.co.za/rawson) Contact Rawson Property Group Head Office 222 Main Road Rondebosch, WC 7700 South Africa [+27 (0)21 658 7100](tel:+27-21-658-7100) © Copyright Rawson Properties 2017. All rights reserved. - [Terms of Use](https://www.rawson.co.za/terms) - [Privacy Policy](https://www.rawson.co.za/privacy) - [PAIA Documents](https://www.rawson.co.za/paia) 1. [Follow us on Facebook ](https://www.facebook.com/RawsonProperties/) 2. [Follow us on Twitter ](https://twitter.com/rawsongroup)