Moving out? What tenants need to do before moving out
We all know that moving can be stressful and time-consuming, but before you start packing your boxes, there are certain things that you need to keep in mind before move-in day. As stressful and time-consuming as moving might be, it can also be exciting as you are moving on to better and greater things. However, […]
Landlords & tenants: Can a tenant cancel a lease?
When it comes to cancelling a lease early, both landlords and tenants must be aware of their responsibilities. It’s important to note that the Consumer Protection Act (CPA) has been put in place to protect consumers and it has changed the way that South Africans do business. The CPA also protects tenants in cases where […]
Awaiting your deposit
What to know when your landlord has your deposit and has failed to pay it out You have viewed the new property and secured it by paying the correct deposit amount to the landlord. With the transition into your new space being as breezy as it was, no red flags were raised as to how […]
Title deeds when buying or selling property
If you’re planning to buy a new property, you’ll need to get the title deed transferred into your name to prove that you’re the owner of the property. You’ll need the assistance of a lawyer specialising in property transfers (also known as a conveyancer) to help you transfer the title deed into your name. You’ll […]
Sectional titles: What is the role of the body corporate?
When it comes to sectional title schemes, there is still widespread misunderstanding of even the basics, starting with the body corporate and how it is established, as well as what its functions and powers are. This misunderstanding often gives rise to many problems and disputes in sectional title schemes which could quite easily have been […]
My tenant failed to pay rent: Can I kick him out?
If your tenant has failed to pay his or her rent, it can be tempting to simply kick them out yourself and change the locks. However, do so would be considered illegal, even if the tenant has become an illegal occupant. The reason is because of the PIE Act. In sum, the Prevention of Illegal […]
Why is my property transfer taking so long?
After signing a deed of sale, the purchasers often want to move into the property as soon as possible. When they are informed of the process involved prior to the property being transferred this may damper their excitement. There may also be delays in the transaction. In order to avoid unnecessary frustration, it is vital […]
When can the municipality disconnect my water and electricity?
The municipality is the place where most, if not all, services are monitored for their availability to a property, and it is the very place that may cut off the supply of said services. Their authority does, however, come with the responsibility of remaining within the legal boundaries of managing the supply of services to […]
How do I cancel a lease?
What happens when a landlord or a tenant wants to cancel a lease? What rules and what legislation apply? What protection does the law provide? If you want to end your lease early, this can be done in situations where: the Consumer Protection Act or Rental Housing Act applies, or there’s a clause in the […]
Unlawfully evicted? Here’s a piece of PIE
Unless the sheriff of the court has evicted you, you should remain right where you are. If anyone else carries out an eviction, it constitutes as unlawful according to the Prevention of Illegal Eviction from and Unlawful Occupation of Land (PIE) Act. Regarding the eviction process, the PIE Act stipulates this: Certain procedures must be […]