You may be a first-time tenant, a young professional moving closer to work, or even downsizing. Whatever your reason for renting, the rental process follows the same basic path for every tenant. Below, we've broken this process down into easy-to-follow steps to help you navigate renting in South Africa with confidence.
The property rental industry moves fast, and prime property rentals don't stay on the market for long. In a nutshell: know what you want, recognise it when you see it, and be prepared to act immediately.
We have a detailed article on house-hunting in the rental market. In short:
Visit How to Rent a Property in Gauteng: Your Essential Guide for more insights.
What can you actually afford? You wouldn't go to the shop with R10 to buy a R15 loaf of bread, so don't start house-hunting without knowing your budget. As a general rule, set aside no more than one third of your net income for rent.
A good credit record is essential too. Do you have a store account or a cellphone contract? Pay these on time every month, since they directly affect your credit score. Most credit bureaus allow one free credit report per year, so check yours and correct any negative items before you apply.
Knowing your credit score and affordability is only the first step. You'll also need to work through the full rental application process to succeed.
Physical documents required:
Information required:
This is where your paperwork is put to work. A thorough rental application process typically includes:
Credit report verifies:
TPN report: identifies high-risk tenants by checking your full tenant lease history for:
Affordability check confirms:
Timeframe: The application itself can be completed in as little as 24 hours, or take up to 48 hours.
Have your deposit ready before you start looking for a place. Deposits typically vary between one and two months' rent and are payable upfront. 2LetNow requests a non-refundable R2,500 holding deposit, which forms part of the total deposit.
If you cause damage to the property during your lease, the cost of repairs will be deducted from your deposit, with the balance returned to you within 14 business days once repairs are completed.
Important: if you don't attend the outgoing inspection, the landlord or agent legally has up to 21 days to return your deposit. If there are no issues with the property and all rent is up to date, your deposit should otherwise be returned within 14 business days of your lease ending.
A gentleman's agreement won't help you if things get complicated. A lease is a legally binding contract between tenant and landlord, setting out the rules covering everything from rent to maintenance obligations.
The landlord's responsibilities:
The tenant's responsibilities:
Your lease should also include:
An entry inspection is a legal requirement for both tenant and landlord (or agent). It establishes and records the condition of the property so you aren't held responsible for pre-existing damage. Routine inspections should follow throughout your lease.
If you miss the incoming or outgoing inspection, you can't contest repair fees deducted from your deposit, and the same applies to the landlord or agent if they miss it. Both parties should inspect the property together, note all defects on a checklist, take photographic evidence, and sign off on the document.
Rent is paid in advance, as required by your signed lease. The Rental Housing Act sets out processes landlords can follow if rent isn't paid on time. Importantly, you cannot withhold rent simply because you're unhappy with your landlord. Doing so is considered a breach of contract.
Ending your lease requires 20 business days' written notice. Once you've given notice, your agent or landlord will confirm the move-out timeline and requirements (such as returning all original keys), conduct an exit inspection, and arrange to repay your deposit; provided the property is in the same condition as when you moved in and all rent is paid up to date.
Your lease protects you as a tenant, for example if the property is sold during your agreement, and it protects the landlord from a tenant wanting to break a fixed-term contract early. Landlords aren't required to release tenants from a lease early. If your agreement doesn't allow for early cancellation, be prepared to pay penalties plus any outstanding rent and utilities, these penalties are not deducted from your deposit.
Visit our guide on renting in a retirement estate in Gauteng for more helpful insights.
The rental application process typically takes between 24 and 48 hours, once your paperwork and credit checks are submitted.
Deposits generally range from one to two months' rent, payable upfront. Some agencies, like 2LetNow, also require a non-refundable holding deposit that counts toward the total.
You'll usually need a copy of your ID or passport, proof of income (payslip or employment contract), and your last three months' bank statements.
If you attend your exit inspection and the property is undamaged with rent paid in full, your deposit is usually returned within 14 business days of your lease ending. If you miss the exit inspection, the landlord or agent has up to 21 days.
No. Withholding rent is considered a breach of contract, regardless of any dispute with your landlord. Rent must still be paid in advance, as agreed in your lease.
You need to give 20 business days' written notice to end your lease agreement.
Only if your lease agreement allows for it. Otherwise, you may need to pay penalties along with any outstanding rent and utilities, which are not deducted from your deposit.
2LetNow has highly skilled staff at all our developments who can assist you with the entire rental process. Visit the Central Developments news page for more on prime property rentals and tenant tips for renting..
