The Cost of a Poorly Managed Tenancy
Protecting Both Sides of the Lease
For landlords, a problematic tenancy can mean lost income, property damage, and costly legal fees. For tenants, it can mean unfair treatment, loss of a deposit, or an illegal eviction. A clear, legally compliant lease agreement is the single most important tool to prevent these negative outcomes for both parties.
Lease relationships are built on trust — but also law. Poorly drafted contracts or mismanaged disputes often lead to lost income or unfair eviction claims. We ensure that every lease agreement and eviction procedure complies with the Rental Housing Act, the Consumer Protection Act, and municipal bylaws.
We Assist With:
- For Landlords
- Drafting & Vetting Lease Agreements: We create custom leases that are comprehensive and fully compliant with the Rental Housing Act.
- Managing Breach of Contract: We provide strategic advice and handle the formal process when a tenant breaches their lease.
- Lawful Eviction Proceedings: Our eviction lawyers in Johannesburg manage the entire legal eviction process correctly and efficiently.
- Recovering Arrear Rentals: We assist with the legal steps required to recover unpaid rent and associated damages.
- For Tenants
- Lease Agreement Review: Before you sign, we review your lease to ensure its terms are fair and that you understand your obligations.
- Protecting Your Rights: We advise on your legal tenant rights in South Africa, including issues related to deposits, maintenance, and utility disconnections.
- Defending Against Illegal Evictions: We take immediate action to protect you from unlawful lockouts or intimidation.
- Representation: We can represent you in disputes and at the Rental Housing Tribunal.
- Notice to Vacate – Served to tenant per lease and PIE Act.
- Court Application – Filed if tenant does not vacate.
- Hearing & Order – Court issues Eviction Order.
- Service & Enforcement – Sheriff executes eviction lawfully.
- Taking the Law Into Your Own Hands: Changing the locks, cutting utilities, or removing a tenant’s belongings without a court order is illegal and can result in severe penalties.
- Withholding Rent for Maintenance Issues: While landlords have a duty to maintain the property, a tenant generally cannot simply stop paying rent. There is a formal legal process to follow.
- Unclear Deposit Management: Disputes over the return of the rental deposit are common. A clear ingoing and outgoing inspection report is crucial.
- Relying on Verbal Agreements: Any changes to the lease agreement should be in writing and signed by both parties to be enforceable.Using Generic Lease Templates – Often non-compliant with South African law.
- Skipping Proper Notice Periods – Invalidates eviction applications.
- Rental arrears payment plans
- Lease renewals or termination terms
- Maintenance responsibility disputes
- Refund of deposits
- Explore Mediation Services →
- Balanced Expertise: Our experience representing both landlords and tenants gives us a unique 360-degree perspective on any dispute.
- High-Level Commercial Experience: We have acted for some of the largest managing agents in the country, giving us unparalleled insight into rental law.
- Dispute Resolution Focus: We aim to resolve conflicts through negotiation or mediation first, saving you the time and expense of litigation.
- Experts in the PIE Act: We have an in-depth understanding of the Prevention of Illegal Eviction from and Unlawful Occupation of Land Act, ensuring all eviction proceedings are handled lawfully.Specialised Experience: Decades of rental law and eviction expertise.
- Court & Tribunal Expertise: Effective representation in all rental forums.
- Accredited Mediators: Compliant with the Gauteng High Court’s directive.
Clarity for Landlords and Tenants
Landlord & Tenant Law FAQs
The form has been submitted successfully!
There has been some error while submitting the form. Please verify all form fields again.