When it comes to renting a flat or home there are a few things to keep in mind:

  • Safety is one of the most important factors to consider when renting — make sure to get clarity about your rental having burglar bars, any alarm systems, security guards, street parking (as needed), etc.

  • Also to consider — Muizenberg in three sections based on the railroad track and vlei — it has been a consideration in our community about safety (if you do not have a vehicle) to find a rental closest to the YWAM Base, which is in the heart of the village (16 Alexander Rd.).

  • Choosing a place to rent —

    • You can look up properties for rent on this Facebook group, Property24 or PrivateProperty

    • Our YWAMers most often post about openings on our Facebook group, you can also ask for advice on there

    • If you are currently on staff, reach out to your Circle to see if anyone knows of some options

    • Do you want a furnished or unfurnished place? It should say on the listing and make sure to confirm with the realtor - furnishing a home can add up quickly, so make sure its what works best for your season of life (advice about furnishing a home is below)

    • Many of our YWAMers also live in Fish Hoek which is a short drive with many houses for rent at the same price for a flat in Muizenberg, so its worth looking for options there

  • Even the best of places, with a terrible owner or landlord can be miserable — though there are a few agencies and buildings that many of our YWAMers have had success in renting :

    • In Muizenberg: (more places to come!)

  • Buildings — Clevedon Manor, Bayview, Cinnabar

  • Avoid — 16 Beach Rd. flats

  • Note: if you are planning on having a vehicle, it is rare to find a rental in Muizenberg that has off street parking that is protected from the wind / rain / sea air — just for your consideration as car insurance, maintenance and repairs will be something to consider.

  • Rent goes up 10% every year — this is up to the discretion of the landlord, but it is legal for this to occur, so this is regular practice

  • Get everything in writing — avoid Whatsapp calls with your realtor in order get everything in writing, so that you are able to demonstrate your interactions if in a worst case scenario you need to negotiate with the Rental Housing Tribunal.


Some Basic Tenant Obligations:

  • Make prompt and regular payment of rent and other charges payable in terms of the lease

  • Utilities are the additional charges which the tenant must pay. These amounts are paid over and above the rent and both the tenant and landlord must agree upfront which additional charge the tenant will pay: electricity, water, sewerage, refuse removal or parking.

  • Make payment of a deposit – the amount of which should be agreed upfront between the landlord and tenant

  • Take good care of the property and not use it for other purposes than for which it was let

  • Restore it to the same condition that he received it at termination of the lease

Some Basics Tenant Rights (as of October 2020):

  • Have a joint incoming and outgoing inspection with the landlord

  • The Deposit — Usually a landlord will request the tenant pays a deposit upfront in case there are damages. The deposit might be equal to 1 or 2 months rent depending on criteria such as the tenant’s credit profile or the condition / value of the property. If the landlord is holding the deposit the deposit must be refunded with interest (this is awesome — make sure you get this interest). The landlord cannot use the deposit to upgrade the property when the tenant vacates. The tenant and landlord must perform a joint incoming and outgoing inspection. The incoming inspection is to record the condition of the property when the tenant took occupation and the outgoing inspection is to determine if any damage was caused by the tenant.

    The deposit may be applied to any amounts the tenant owes in terms of the lease: outstanding rent, utilities, lost keys, damage, etc.

  • Rent Payment — The tenant has a right to receive a receipt for all monies paid to the landlord. The tenant has a right to a rental invoice which breaks down the different costs: basic rent, electricity, water etc. The landlord may not increase the rent during the fixed term period

  • Maintenance — It is the landlord’s responsibility to place and maintain the property fit for the purpose for which it was let. The tenant is responsible for maintaining the property in the good condition it was given to him – fair wear and tear accepted.

  • Expatica has great information on the Renting and Tenant Rights to keep in mind for South Africa

If needed, you can lodge complaints with the Rental Housing Tribunal — The relationship between a landlord and a tenant can often be challenging. From time to time, issues arise which cannot be amicably overcome and the need for an independent party becomes clear. Enter Rental Housing Tribunals (RHT’s). The services rendered are free and can be used by tenants, landlords and property agents.

  • Tribunal Hearing’s happen at : 6th Floor, 8 Norton Rose House, Riebeek Street, Cape Town

  • Katie Aijian has had to go to court through the Rental Housing Tribunal, so if you need any advice, she is happy to chat about it.

RENTING IN SOUTH AFRICA :