Tenant ‘Red Flags’ and how to avoid them
The wrong tenant can have a lasting negative effect. The residential property industry continues its upward trajectory, and investors are getting in on the action. However, with the rise of investors choosing to take advantage of low prices and invest in ‘buy-to-let’ properties comes an excess supply of rental properties in areas with high supply […]
When your tenant ‘does a duck’
Tips for landlords when their tenant does a disappearing act Everyone who has let out property knows that sickening feeling when you find out that your tenant has disappeared. Most of the time there are signs—usually unpaid or late paid rental. Some tenants plan to go without paying, while others just cannot pay. What should […]
TENANTS ARE GETTING IN THE KNOW
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 […]
TIPS FOR RENTING OUT YOUR PROPERTY
Regardless of whether the property you are renting out is a studio apartment, a cottage at the back of the garden or an entire estate, the same rules apply and need to be understood in order to make a success of your investment in the property. To invest in a property is a very big […]
HOW TO EVICT AN ILLEGAL TENANT
Landlords who have tenants that they believe are occupying their premises illegally may not forcefully remove such tenants. The Prevention of Illegal Eviction from and Unlawful Occupation of Land Act (No. 19 of 1998) provides for the prohibition of unlawful eviction and also provides proper procedures for the eviction of unlawful occupiers. According to the […]
IS THE TENANT OR LANDLORD RESPONSIBLE FOR THE WATER LEAKS?
Questions, and sometimes disputes, often arise between landlords and tenants regarding where the responsibility lies with the maintenance of a property. The simple answer is that tenants can generally only be held responsible for repairs/replacement on the property if the damage was caused by the tenant’s actions, or items that have a short life span, […]
RENTING PROPERTY TO FOREIGNERS
Renting property in South Africa is a straightforward process. The country has a vast selection of rental accommodation including bachelor flats in apartment blocks, Victorian cottages, stand-alone houses with big gardens, and semi-detached units in modern townhouse complexes. In South Africa, the right of a foreigner to purchase immovable property was restricted in the past […]
CANCELLING A LEASE AGREEMENT EARLY
If you want to end your contract early, this can only be done “in situations where the Consumer Protection Act or Rental Housing Act apply” – or if there’s a clause in the contract that allows for early cancellation, or if both parties agree to it. If, on the other hand, one of the parties […]
IS MY TENANT RESPONSIBLE FOR THE WORN OUT CARPET?
There are several damages a landlord can deduct from a tenant’s deposit. However, there are certain household items that will experience normal wear and tear over time. This is referred to as “fair wear and tear”. Fair wear and tear is seen as damage or loss to an item at the property which happens as […]
HOW CAN I LAWFULLY EVICT MY TENANT?
You’ve discovered that the tenant renting your apartment has damaged several appliances, including the floor tiles due to irresponsible behaviour. Therefore, you have decided to terminate the lease contract and evict the tenant. Are you allowed to do that and how do you get started? Firstly, there has to be valid reasons to evict a […]