Deposits, evictions under the PIE Act, transfer costs, body corporate and lease disputes.
No. In South Africa a landlord may never evict you without a court order. Changing the locks, removing doors or cutting off water and electricity to force you out is unlawful, even if you are behind on rent.
5 min read · Reviewed 4 Sep 2026
It depends on whether a joint outgoing inspection was done and whether there is damage to deduct. Where there is no damage the deposit plus interest is usually due within seven days of the lease ending, and within 21 days if no inspection took place.
5 min read · Reviewed 4 Sep 2026
Transfer costs are what you pay on top of the purchase price to get the property registered in your name. The main items are transfer duty to SARS, the conveyancer fee, Deeds Office fees and, if you are financing, the bond registration costs.
5 min read · Reviewed 4 Sep 2026
The PIE Act stops anyone being removed from their home without a court order, and forces the court to ask whether the eviction is just and equitable before granting it. It gives you notice, a chance to be heard, and often extra time to move.
5 min read · Reviewed 4 Sep 2026
Not unless your lease allows it. During a fixed term the rent is what the lease says it is, and an increase can usually only happen on the escalation date the lease sets out or when the lease comes up for renewal.
5 min read · Reviewed 4 Sep 2026
Start by asking the body corporate in writing for the approved budget and your levy statement. If the answer does not satisfy you, apply to the Community Schemes Ombud Service, which resolves scheme disputes cheaply. Keep paying the undisputed amount while you dispute.
5 min read · Reviewed 4 Sep 2026
For most residential tenants the Consumer Protection Act allows you to cancel a fixed-term lease on 20 business days written notice. The landlord may charge a reasonable cancellation penalty, but not the whole balance of the rent.
5 min read · Reviewed 4 Sep 2026
The landlord pays for structural repairs and for keeping the property fit to live in. The tenant pays for damage they or their visitors cause and for small day-to-day upkeep. Fair wear and tear is always the landlord cost.
5 min read · Reviewed 4 Sep 2026
A straightforward property transfer usually takes about 6 to 12 weeks from the day the offer is accepted to the day it registers at the Deeds Office. Delays are common, and they are almost always caused by outstanding documents or clearance figures.
4 min read · Reviewed 4 Sep 2026
No. A landlord may not cut off your electricity or water to force you to pay or to make you move out. That is an unlawful self-help eviction, and you can have the supply restored through an urgent court order or the Rental Housing Tribunal.
5 min read · Reviewed 4 Sep 2026
We use essential cookies to make the site work. Optional analytics cookies are off unless you allow them. Privacy policy
