“15k Fines!”: Gent Discusses New Rental Housing Laws That Will Affect Landlords in Mzansi

• A TikToker explained how the 2025 updates to South Africa's Rental Housing Act will impact both landlords and tenants
• The new laws require written lease agreements upon request, with landlords facing fines up to R15,000 for non-compliance
• South Africans debated whether the changes would make renting fairer or drive up costs
• Briefly News spoke with a Master Practitioner in Real Estate, Xabiso Lombo, who emphasised the importance of tenant safety

A young man has sparked major debate among South Africans after explaining how new rental laws will affect everyone renting in Mzansi.

TikTok user @ejv_27, who regularly shares informational content about issues affecting South African citizens, posted a video on 29 August 2025, breaking down the key changes to the Rental Housing Act.

The content creator explained four major changes coming into effect. His video quickly gained traction, receiving over 279,800 views as people discussed how these changes would impact their rental situations.

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The first major change requires written lease agreements to be compulsory when requested by tenants. If landlords fail to provide one when asked, they could face fines of up to R15,000. Secondly, landlords must now give tenants written proof that deposits are kept in interest-bearing accounts within 14 days, and deposits must be returned within seven days of lease termination if there are no disputes.

The third change strengthens tenant rights by requiring landlords to give at least 24 hours' notice before property inspections. Every property must also meet new minimum habitability standards, including proper waterproofing, structural safety, and essential services. Finally, the Rental Housing Tribunal has been given more power with promises to resolve disputes within 30 days.

Mzansi reacts to new rental laws

South Africans shared their concerns and experiences in the comments section.

@big_normy complained:

"My tenant ran away after not paying rent. They owe R 21,000 and they just vanished. Moved to a different city. Even changed jobs. This all happened while having a lease agreement. So what do we do as landlords? Who protects us against people like this?"

@jorrie36 added:

"They must also start protecting landlords for tenants not paying rent and not let it have to run for 8 months."

@shahieda expressed suspicion:

"This is about control, more money in the pockets of the already corrupt government."

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@kris shared frustration:

"They need to clamp down on these ridiculous deposits expectations especially for those working with agents. Also, why must I pay for your admin fee and credit checks. Up to R30k deposit expected for monthly rentals of R8k ridiculous."

@at questioned:

"What about landlords suffering because of tenants that does not pay rent and refuses to move out... Why don't tenants get fines for failing to pay rent and failing to move out?"

New rental guidelines in SA

According to the Landlord Association website, the Rental Housing Act sets out the rules for both tenants and landlords in South Africa, making sure things are fair for everyone. It gives tenants important rights like having a written lease, fair rent, and privacy. Landlords, on the other hand, must keep the property in good condition, provide basic services, and put deposits in interest-bearing accounts with proper paperwork.

If problems come up, the Rental Housing Tribunal helps sort them out without tenants or landlords needing to go to court. Common issues include unfair rent increases, deposit disputes, or illegal evictions. The law also makes it clear that no tenant can be kicked out without the right legal process and a court order.

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Briefly News journalist Jessica Gcaba spoke with a Master Practitioner in Real Estate, Xabiso Lombo, who highlighted the importance of tenant safety

"Tenant safety should be prioritised by anyone thinking of venturing into developments. If your tenants don't feel safe, then you will likely experience high tenant turnover," she said. "Any rental property should offer a reasonable amount of security," Lombo added.

View the TikTok post below:

3 Other stories about property

• Briefly News recently reported on a landlord who was stunned when their non-paying tenant secretly turned the property into a nightclub, but what they discovered inside left many speechless.
• A R470,000 Johannesburg 3-bedroom apartment sparked major chatter online, but the suspicious reason behind the price surprised viewers.
• A woman confronted occupants who refused to move out and hadn't paid rent for 5 years.

Source: Briefly News