After renting a property for eight years, a reader has queried whether the deductions made by the landlord on the deposit she paid are legitimate. … [Read more...]
Search Results for: Rental
What deductions from my rental deposit are legitimate?
After renting a property for eight years, I would like to know whether the deductions made by the landlord on my deposit are legitimate. Having vacated the dwelling, I requested a copy of the bank statement showing my deposit with accrued interest over the period of rental. The landlord gave me a statement drawn up by his accountant, which included several deductions, including the fees of … [Read more...]
What to do when tenant stops paying rental on unsigned lease?
My tenant only paid the first month's rental of a three-month lease and I would like to know if I can pursue legal action to remedy the situation. The tenant asked for the short-term lease and promised to sign an agreement to this effect. However, after taking occupation, he refused to sign and failed to pay the rest of the monthly instalments. It is now time for him to vacate the property … [Read more...]
Tenant stops rental payments on unsigned lease
A tenant only paid the first month's rental of a three-month lease and the landlord now wants to know if he can pursue legal action to remedy the situation. … [Read more...]
Dealing with large rental increases
A reader has already approached the Rental Housing Tribunal but wants to know what she can do in the interim about a rental increase of 46 per cent in just 11 months. Questioning the validity of the landlord's conduct, she says she cannot afford the constant increases. She adds that the premises are in a poor state and require repairs, but that the landlord does nothing about it. When she … [Read more...]
Can landlord impose large rental increases?
I have already approached the Rental Housing Tribunal but I would like to know what I can do in the interim about a rental increase of 46 per cent in just 11 months. I cannot afford the constant increases and question the validity of my landlord's conduct. The premises are in a poor state and require repairs, but the landlord does nothing about it. When I have complained about the … [Read more...]
Basic provisions to include in rental agreement
A reader who is planning to rent out his property to a friend wants to know what the basic provisions are which need to be included in a lease because he feels he does not need a complex contract. … [Read more...]
Mistake on rental contract blamed for premature increase
A reader has been advised by the estate agent that a mistake on a rental contract is to blame for raising the rental amount of a flat in advance of the date specified in the lease. … [Read more...]
Rental increased too early due to mistake on contract
The estate agent handling the administration of my domestic worker's flat says a mistake on the rental contract is to blame for raising the amount earlier than the date specified in the lease. She rents the flat, is up to date with her payments and has never had any issues with the landlord. I am concerned about the legality of this scenario and would appreciate some clarification on the … [Read more...]
Recovering deposit from ‘missing’ rental agent
A reader who used an agent to handle a property he rents out wants to know how he can recover the deposit after the agent "disappeared". … [Read more...]
Tenant ‘responsible’ for repair of damaged rental property
The conditions which govern damage to a rented property form the basis of today's reader question. … [Read more...]
Tenant’s rights after rental offer is withdrawn
A reader who accepted a new, higher rental for a flat he has been renting for three years wants to know his rights after being given notice a few days later because the property was promised to a neighbouring tenant. … [Read more...]
Notice terms when asked to vacate a rental property
Unable to pay my rental in full, I have received a letter stating that I have 20 days to remedy the situation or, if I can't, I must leave the premises immediately. I was under the impression that I had to be given a month's notice to vacate any rented premises. Can you advise me on this situation? Thank you, Rental Puzzle See what the experts have to say. … [Read more...]
Notice period when tenant default on rental
A reader, who is unable to pay her rent in full, has been given a choice of 20 days to remedy the problem or to vacate the premises immediately and wants to know if she should not be given a month's notice. … [Read more...]
Is occupational rental fair if I bought in instalments?
I have taken occupation of a fixed property I bought for R550 000, of which I have paid R450 000. The remaining R100 000 will be paid in instalments, but the seller is now charging me R5 500 per month in occupational rent until the full amount is paid. Can you advise of my rights in this situation? Thank you, Rental Rankles See what the experts have to say. … [Read more...]
Occupational rental when buying a property in instalments
A reader has already paid R450 000 of the R550 000 owed for a fixed property he is buying and wants to know if the seller can charge him occupational rental until the balance has been settled. … [Read more...]
Tenant wants to pay pro rata rental for late occupation
A reader who took occupation of rented premises on the fifth day of a particular month says she was only prepared to pay rental pro rata and wants to know if this is fair practice. … [Read more...]
Can I pay pro rata rental for late occupation?
I took occupation of rented premises on the fifth of the month and because of this I was only prepared to pay pro rata rental for that month. I informed the landlord of the situation, but she labelled me as troublesome. Can you advise if paying pro rata is fair practice between a tenant and a landlord? Thank you, Pro Rata Payer See what the experts have to say. … [Read more...]
