Property & Housing

Your home is often your biggest expense and most important asset. This guide covers rental rights, deposits, evictions, buying a home and the bodies that resolve housing disputes, usually for free.

Updated October 2026 · General information, not legal advice

In this guide

The key laws

What you'll need

Gather these before you take action or speak to a lawyer:

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Common questions

Can my landlord evict me without a court order?

No. Only a court can order an eviction from a home. A landlord who changes the locks, removes your belongings or cuts off water or electricity to force you out is acting unlawfully.

When must my deposit be refunded?

Your landlord must keep the deposit in an interest-bearing account and refund it with interest after the lease ends, minus the cost of any damage, usually within 7 to 21 days depending on the inspection.

Where can tenants and landlords resolve disputes?

Each province has a Rental Housing Tribunal that resolves disputes between tenants and landlords free of charge. Its rulings are binding.

Does an offer to purchase need to be in writing?

Yes. A sale of land, including a house or flat, must be in writing and signed by both buyer and seller, or it is not valid.

Who handles body corporate and estate disputes?

The Community Schemes Ombud Service (CSOS) deals with disputes in sectional title schemes, home owners’ associations and other community schemes.

When to see a lawyer

Speak to a property lawyer if you have received eviction papers, before buying or selling property, or if a dispute involves building defects or large amounts of money.

This guide is general information about South African law and is not legal advice. Laws and amounts change; check the latest position or speak to a qualified lawyer about your situation. Read our disclaimer.

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