When must my deposit be returned?

Within 7 days of lease termination if no damage claim, or within 14 days of final repair invoices being received by the tenant. Interest accrues at the bank's savings rate.

Can a landlord enter without notice?

No. The landlord must give reasonable notice (typically 24-48 hours) except in emergencies. Unannounced entry can breach the tenant's right to quiet enjoyment.

What notice period applies for lease termination?

For periodic leases: at least 1 calendar month. Fixed-term leases: 20 business days under the CPA where the tenant wants to cancel early. Early cancellation can attract a reasonable cancellation penalty.

Landlord & Tenant Disputes Attorneys

Lease drafting, rental disputes, and Rental Housing Tribunal applications. Browse 504 LPC-registered attorneys across South Africa.

Johannesburg Pretoria Cape Town Durban Gqeberha Polokwane

Reviewed by the Justibly editorial team·Updated April 2026

Residential leases in SA are governed by the Rental Housing Act 50 of 1999, the Consumer Protection Act, and general contract law. Commercial leases are mostly freedom-of-contract but subject to CPA where applicable. Rental Housing Tribunals in each province hear most residential disputes quickly and cheaply. Attorneys draft leases, recover arrears, run eviction proceedings, and represent landlords/tenants at Tribunal and court.

When to hire a landlord & tenant disputes attorney

You need a lease agreement drafted or reviewed.
Your tenant is in rental arrears and you need to recover them.
You face an unlawful eviction or illegal lockout.
There are deposit disputes or damage claims after lease end.
You want to enforce or challenge a notice of termination.

What to expect

Residential disputes under R100,000 go to the Rental Housing Tribunal (free or low-cost). Arrears recoveries typically go via summons in the Magistrate's Court. Eviction must follow the PIE Act process. Deposit disputes at Tribunal are usually resolved within 60 days.

Typical fees

Lease drafting: R1,500-R8,000. Rental Housing Tribunal: free to apply, R3,000-R10,000 with attorney. Magistrate's Court arrears recovery: R5,000-R20,000.

Legal information, not legal advice. This page provides general information about landlord & tenant disputes in South Africa. It is not a substitute for advice from a qualified attorney. Laws and procedures change - consult a verified attorney for your specific matter.

Verified attorneys

LPC Verified only

504 attorneys found

Mark David Jarrett

LPC VerifiedWills Estates

Trust Score

Landlord & Tenant Disputes Attorneys

When to hire a landlord & tenant disputes attorney

What to expect

Typical fees

Verified attorneys

Frequently Asked Questions