FAQs When Renting

What fees and costs will I need to cover?

Deposit amount 

A deposit amount of four to eight weeks rent is collected at the start of the lease and held in an interest bearing trust account. In the event that you fall into rental arrears, are responsible for damage to the property, or leave the property in a dirty or unkempt condition, your Landlord can make a claim against the deposit. At the end of your lease, if the property has only sustained reasonable wear and tear the full deposit amount will be returned to you. 

How do I pay my rent?

Your rent collection process will be found within your lease agreement. There may be several payment methods available to you, so check with your Property Manager to discuss your preferred payment method. 

If for whatever reason you feel you may be late with your rental payment, you will need to notify your Property Manager before due date of your rent. 

What happens at the end of a lease?

You will find the expiry date of your lease within your lease agreement. Your Property Manager will be in contact with you well before this date to ask if you would like to renew the lease agreement for a specified period of time as agreed between you and the landlord. 

You can also request a lease renewal from the landlord or Property Manager before the expiry of your lease agreement. The owner of the property has the right to renew the lease, continue under the terms of the original lease or issue the appropriate notice requesting that you vacate the property. 

What if I need to end my lease early? 

This will have to be by consent of both parties. In the event that a suitable tenant cannot be found to take over the lease for the remaining period, you will be responsible for all reasonable costs incurred by the Landlord to find a suitable replacement tenant.  

You will also need to continue to pay rent until a new tenant enters into a lease agreement. Both you and your Landlord/Property Manager are able to look for a tenant, but any suitable tenant found must follow the correct legal processes when entering into a new lease agreement. 

What happens if the property I am renting is sold? 

The owner of the property has the right to sell the property regardless of the lease type. However, as a tenant, you have the right to remain in the property for the duration of your lease agreement.

In the event you do agree to relocate, your Property Manager will be more than happy to work with you to find a new rental property that will suit your needs.  

How do I arrange any repairs that might be needed?

Any repairs that are needed on the property should be made clear to your Property Manager as soon as possible, preferably in writing. Some repairs will be considered urgent if your health and safety or the property itself is threatened. 

In these instances, your Property Manager will have a repair person attend to these issues as soon as possible. 

Non-urgent repairs should also be directed to your Property Manager, who will organise for these repairs to take place when practical. It’s important not to try and repair the property yourself. 

If personal items of mine are damaged at the property, whose responsibility is it?

Your personal property is your responsibility, so any items that are damaged, lost or stolen are not the responsibility of your Landlord. That is why it is advisable to cover your belongings adequately with contents insurance. 

Can I make any small alterations to the property?

Before making any alternations to your rental property, including small changes like picture hooks etc, ensure you speak with your Property Manager to get the OK. The best way to do this is in writing so the request can be forwarded to your Landlord who will need to provide permission for any changes. Keep in mind changes may also be at your expense unless agreed otherwise with your Landlord. 

Where can I find more info about the rules and legislation of renting in South Africa? 

You can always contact your Property Manager if you’re unsure of anything or visit the South African Government website at gov.za/documents/rental-housing-act