Property owners and tenants will be affected by the recent updates to the Rental Housing Act, reports The Mercury.

‘The 2025 updates to the Rental Housing Act represent a significant step toward creating a more balanced and transparent rental environment,’ said Carrol Dell, director and head of rental division at Real Estate Services SA.

‘Understanding these changes is crucial for both landlords and tenants to ensure compliance and protect their respective interests,’ she said.

One update is the strengthened requirement for written lease agreements.

The 2025 amendments now impose stricter penalties for non-compliance, with fines of up to R15 000 for landlords who fail to provide written agreements upon a tenant's request.

‘Written lease agreements are no longer just best practice – they're an essential legal requirement,’ said Dell.

The amendments also introduce more stringent regulations regarding rental deposits. Landlords must now provide written proof that deposits are held in interest-bearing accounts within 14 days of receipt.

Additionally, the timeframe for returning deposits has been standardised to seven days after lease termination if there are no disputes.

For tenants, the updates reinforce their right to privacy and habitability as landlords must now provide at least 24 hours' written notice before property inspections, except in emergencies.

The amendments also clarify the definition of ‘habitable dwelling,’ specifying minimum standards for structural soundness, waterproofing, and essential services. 

The updates have also strengthened the Rental Housing Tribunal, enhancing its powers to resolve disputes efficiently.

The tribunal can now issue binding rulings more quickly, with a new mandate to resolve complaints within 30 days of filing.

Full report in The Mercury