What tenants need to know to protect their rights
Must my residential lease agreement be in writing? It is currently not a requirement for a residential lease agreement to be in writing – a verbal agreement where the rent and rented property is identified is recognized by South African common law and is just as valid as a written agreement. This may, however, not remain the position for much […]
I have a serious complaint against my landlord
I have a serious complaint against my landlord At times the relationship between landlords and tenants can become unstable. Perhaps you believe your landlord has treated you unfairly and you want to officially complain. The provincial Rental Housing Tribunals will help settle disputes between tenants and landlords. The Rental Housing Tribunals (RHT) is a free […]
Unlawfully evicted? Here’s a piece of PIE
Unless the sheriff of the court has evicted you, you should remain right where you are. If anyone else carries out an eviction, it constitutes as unlawful according to the Prevention of Illegal Eviction from and Unlawful Occupation of Land (PIE) Act. Regarding the eviction process, the PIE Act stipulates this: Certain procedures must be […]
How do I cancel a lease?
What happens when a landlord or a tenant wants to cancel a lease? What rules and what legislation apply? What protection does the law provide? If you want to end your lease early, this can be done in situations where: the Consumer Protection Act or Rental Housing Act applies, or there’s a clause in the […]
I have a serious complaint against my landlord
At times the relationship between landlords and tenants can become unstable. Perhaps you believe your landlord has treated you unfairly and you want to officially complain. The provincial Rental Housing Tribunals will help settle disputes between tenants and landlords. The Rental Housing Tribunals (RHT) is a free service that falls under the Rental Housing Act […]
The Rental Housing Tribunal: I have a complaint against my landlord/tenant
Formed in 2001, the tribunal is comprised of five members (including a chair and vice chairperson) appointed by the Provincial Minister of Human Settlements, who each have expertise in property management, housing development and consumer matters pertaining to rental housing. The tribunal seeks to: Harmonise relationships between landlords and tenants in the rental housing sector. […]
Tenant and landlord: What are your rights and obligations?
Sandra would like to move into her own place but like many people she is unsure what a lease is and what responsibilities it will place on her. A lease agreement is defined as the agreement entered into between the tenant and the landlord for the leasing of a property. The lease agreement regulates the […]