Revamp your rental home

Living in a rented apartment doesn’t mean you can’t make your living space your own. There are many ways in which you can make your rented property feel more like home, and it all begins with adding a bit of your own individuality and character to the aesthetics of your home. Switch out a light fixture Chances are that you’re […]

The impact of the pandemic on the rental market

As the property market continues to piece itself back together amid the ongoing pandemic, the rental market continues to feel the impact of the times more than any other sector in the real estate industry. While property sales have slowly picked up, and first-time homeowners are enjoying the advantages of a buyer’s market, empty rental properties continue to fill the market. With one […]

INVESTING IN A RENTAL PROPERTY

Buying a rental property could be an incredible investment opportunity, however, it’s important to make a well-informed decision before investing, as it is not for everyone. Although investing in a rental property provides many benefits, such as a potential extra income, and a way of paying off the property, it poses certain risks as well. […]

FEARING FORECLOSURE: WHAT ARE YOUR RIGHTS AS THE HOMEOWNER?

The recent junk status announcement has shaken us into a quick action of tightening our belts and letting go of luxuries to afford our day to day expenses. This financial condition inhibits the possibility of purchasing a new house, let alone affording your current home.  Have you thought about what you would do if your […]

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, […]

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 […]

MY TENANT FAILED TO PAY RENT: CAN I KICK HIM OUT?

If your tenant has failed to pay his or her rent, it can be tempting to simply kick them out yourself and change the locks. However, do so would be considered illegal, even if the tenant has become an illegal occupant. The reason is because of the PIE Act. In sum, the Prevention of Illegal […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]