According to the law, the landlord must issue a detailed written receipt for every payment received from the tenant. If a deposit is paid, the landlord must invest it in an interest-bearing bank account and must give the tenant a written statement of the interest earned whenever the tenant asks for one. Before the tenant moves in, he and the landlord must inspect the property and compile a list of any defects, which must be attached to the lease. When the tenant moves out, he or she along with the landlord must inspect the property again to assess whether any damage has been done. If no damage has been done, the landlord must refund the tenant's deposit and the interest within seven days; if there IS damage, the landlord should pay for any repairs out of the deposit and refund the balance and the interest within 14 days.
For a long-term rental (any term longer than months), it's possible to rent
every kind of property, from a tiny studio apartment to a huge, rambling country
estate. Rental costs vary considerably according to the size (number of bedrooms)
and quality of a property, its age and the facilities provided. However, the
most significant factor affecting rents is the region of South Africa, the city
and the neighbourhood. Most rents are negotiable and you should try to obtain
a reduction. Sometimes an agent will suggest offering a reduced rent. South African landlords often actually
prefer renting to non-resident foreigners, who pay higher rents and are easier
to evict!
Long-term rents for South Africa range roughly as follows (all figures approximate):
Size Of Property | Monthly Rental (R) | Monthly Rental (£) | Monthly Rental (€) | Monthly Rental ($) |
1-bedroom | 3,000 - 6,000 | 260 - 520 | 235-465 | 295-590 |
2-bedroom | 5,000 - 10,000 | 430 - 870 | 390-780 | 490-985 |
3-bedroom | 8,000 - 17,000 | 700 - 1,480 | 623-1325 | 785-1670 |