7 Most Common and Potentially Costly Mistakes Landlords Make in South Africa

Being a landlord in South Africa can be a lucrative venture, with a strong demand for rental properties in cities like Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban. However, managing a rental property comes with significant responsibilities, and mistakes can lead to financial losses, legal disputes, or damaged relationships with tenants. Below, we highlight the seven most common and potentially costly mistakes landlords make, along with tips to avoid them.

1. Failing to Screen Tenants Thoroughly

The Mistake: Many landlords skip comprehensive tenant screening to fill vacancies quickly, assuming a cursory check or a good first impression is enough.
The Cost: Unreliable tenants may default on rent, damage the property, or cause legal disputes, leading to lost income and costly repairs.
How to Avoid It:

• Conduct credit checks through agencies like TransUnion or Experian to verify financial reliability.
• Request references from previous landlords and employers.
• Verify identity and income documents to ensure tenants can afford the rent. In South Africa, a general rule is that rent should not exceed 30% of a tenant's gross income.

2. Not Having a Watertight Lease Agreement

The Mistake: Using a generic or poorly drafted lease agreement that lacks clarity or fails to comply with South African laws.
The Cost: Ambiguous terms can lead to disputes over maintenance, rent increases, or termination, potentially requiring costly legal intervention. Non-compliant leases may be unenforceable under the Rental Housing Act.
How to Avoid It:

• Hire a property attorney to draft or review your lease agreement.
• Include key clauses, such as:
  • Rent amount, payment terms, and escalation rates.
  • Responsibilities for maintenance and repairs.
  • Rules for pets, subletting, or short-term rentals.
  • Termination procedures and notice periods.
• Ensure compliance with the Consumer Protection Act and Rental Housing Act, which protect tenant rights.

3. Neglecting Property Maintenance

The Mistake: Delaying or ignoring maintenance issues, such as leaking roofs, faulty plumbing, or electrical problems.
The Cost: Small issues can escalate into major repairs, reducing the property's value and deterring quality tenants. Tenants may also withhold rent or file complaints with the Rental Housing Tribunal if the property becomes uninhabitable.
How to Avoid It:

• Conduct regular inspections (with tenant consent) to identify issues early.
• Respond promptly to tenant maintenance requests.
• Budget for ongoing maintenance, including painting, gutter cleaning, and servicing appliances.
• Keep records of all repairs to demonstrate compliance with legal obligations.

4. Ignoring Legal Obligations

The Mistake: Failing to comply with South African rental laws, such as those outlined in the Rental Housing Act or the Prevention of Illegal Eviction (PIE) Act.
The Cost: Illegal actions, such as evicting a tenant without a court order or failing to refund a deposit, can result in fines, legal fees, or compensation claims. The Rental Housing Tribunal can also order landlords to rectify violations.
How to Avoid It:

• Familiarize yourself with key legislation, including tenant rights to a safe and habitable property.
• Follow proper eviction procedures, which require a court order under the PIE Act.
• Refund deposits within the legally required timeframe (7-14 days, depending on circumstances) and provide an itemized list of deductions for damages.
• Consider joining a professional body like the South African Property Owners Association (SAPOA) for guidance.

5. Setting the Wrong Rental Price

The Mistake: Overpricing or underpricing the rental property due to lack of market research.
The Cost: Overpricing can lead to long vacancies, costing months of lost income, while underpricing reduces profitability and may attract lower-quality tenants.
How to Avoid It:

• Research comparable rental properties in your area using platforms like Property24 or Private Property.
• Consult a local estate agent or property management company for market insights.
• Adjust rent annually based on market trends and inflation, but stay within the limits of the lease agreement and Consumer Protection Act.
• Factor in additional costs, such as rates, levies, or maintenance, when setting the price.

6. Not Having Adequate Insurance

The Mistake: Assuming standard home insurance covers rental properties or neglecting to insure against tenant-related risks.
The Cost: Without proper insurance, landlords may face significant losses from property damage, unpaid rent, or legal disputes. For example, a fire caused by a tenant could cost hundreds of thousands of rands to repair.
How to Avoid It:

• Purchase landlord-specific insurance that covers:
  • Property damage (e.g., fire, storms, or tenant negligence).
  • Loss of rental income due to tenant default or property damage.
  • Legal expenses for disputes or evictions.
• Verify that tenants have renters' insurance to cover their personal belongings and liability.
• Review your policy annually to ensure adequate coverage, especially in high-risk areas like flood-prone regions.

7. Poor Communication with Tenants

The Mistake: Failing to maintain clear, professional communication with tenants or ignoring their concerns.
The Cost: Poor communication can lead to misunderstandings, disputes, or tenant dissatisfaction, resulting in high turnover or complaints to the Rental Housing Tribunal. High turnover increases vacancy periods and advertising costs.
How to Avoid It:

• Establish clear communication channels, such as email or WhatsApp, and respond promptly to queries.
• Provide tenants with written notice for inspections, rent increases, or lease renewals as required by law.
• Build a positive relationship by addressing concerns fairly and respecting tenant privacy.
• Consider hiring a property manager if you lack the time or skills to manage tenant interactions effectively.

Conclusion

Landlording in South Africa offers significant rewards but requires careful planning and adherence to legal and financial best practices. By screening tenants thoroughly, using robust lease agreements, maintaining the property, and staying compliant with laws, landlords can avoid costly mistakes. Additionally, setting the right rental price, securing proper insurance, and fostering good tenant relationships will help maximize profitability and minimize risks. Whether you're managing a single apartment in Pretoria or a portfolio of properties in Cape Town, proactive management is key to long-term success in the rental market.