Cape Town has one of the most dynamic rental markets in the country. From students hunting for apartments near campus, and young professionals chasing shorter commutes to relocators and expats falling for sea views and mountain backdrops , renting is a way of life in the mother city.
The checklist for tenants viewing a place usually looks the same. Is the location right? Is it within budget?
Is it safe? Is there parking?
All of these are important questions, but the internet is one detail many renters only think about after the keys are in their hands, and by then, it’s often too late.
No matter how great the view is, a home that can’t connect properly will quietly sabotage your workdays, your downtime, and your sanity.
Five Questions Everyone Forgets to Ask
Cape Town renters are savvy, but internet infrastructure often gets overlooked during viewings. That is because the assumption is that fibre is standard until move-in day arrives and buffering replaces productivity. Whether you work from home, study online, stream, game, or simply rely on Wi-Fi for daily life, slow or unreliable internet can turn into long-term frustration if it’s not sorted upfront.
Before you sign that lease, here’s a simple fibre checklist every renter should run through.
- Is Fibre Already Installed?
Finding out whether the home already has an active fibre line, or if a new installation will be required is very important. A live connection means you can usually get online quickly, whilst a fresh installation, on the other hand, can take time, especially during busy rental periods.
If the answer is vague, push for clarity from the agent or owners. Fibre available in the area isn’t the same as fibre installed in your home or unit. Knowing this will avoid installation delays and temporary workarounds.
- Who Is the Current Fibre Provider?
Not all buildings and not all suburbs have open-access.
Many apartment blocks and estates in Cape Town work with specific internet service providers, which means you may not be able to choose your provider freely once you move in.
Knowing the provider upfront avoids unpleasant surprises and helps you plan your set-up before move-in day.Ask the agent or landlord which ISP services the building and if there are any restrictions?
If you have a provider like Faircom in mind, ask if they are already connected in other units or homes.
- Is the ONT Still in the Unit?
It may not look like much, but the Optical Network Terminal ( ONT) is essential. This is the little white box mounted on the wall and if it is missing, damaged, or removed by a previous tenant, reconnection can be delayed.
Before you sign your lease, confirm that the ONT is present and it is still in good working order. A missing ONT can mean extra admin, extra waiting, and extra frustration when you just want to get online.
- Will the Landlord Allow Installations?
Some landlords are strict about drilling, cabling, or making changes to the unit, even when it comes to fibre.
If installation is required, get clear permission in writing before signing the lease.
Ask whether new fibre installations are allowed and if there are any restrictions on drilling or cable routing. You don’t want to sign a lease only to discover you’re not allowed to install the very thing you need to live and work comfortably.
- Did You Do a Quick Address Check Before Committing?
This step takes less than a minute and can save you months of frustration. Before falling in love with a place, do a quick fibre availability check to confirm your provider covers the area, and what the speed options and installation timelines are. A 30-second check now can prevent a 12-month headache later.
Don’t Let Slow Internet Be Part of the Deal
In a city where so many people work, study, and build businesses from home, reliable internet is essential infrastructure. Before falling in love with the neighbourhood, negotiating the rental and signing that lease, ask about fibre.
For more information, or to get signed up to Faircom in minutes, reach out to our team.
