Rental Tribunals ‒ how to use them

Whether you are a landlord or a tenant, the course of the relationship does not always run smoothly.

Landlords can be subject to damage to their property, failure to pay rent on time, noisy or inappropriate tenants or even the midnight flit, when the tenant just disappears.

On the other hand, landlords have been known to exploit tenants by increasing rents too often, asking for inflated down-payments and refusing to do basic maintenance work, like fixing geysers, leaking roofs or electrical prob- lems. This is when either party can turn to the Rental Housing Tribunals (RHTs).

They were formed as part of the Rental Housing Act and are there to resolve disputes between landlords and tenants. Who can use a tribunal? Anyone can use an RHT, free of charge and they are able to determine issues, among others, of non-payment of rentals, failure to refund deposits, unacceptable living conditions, over-crowding by having more tenants than stated in the rental agreement, intimidation, lack of maintenance, illegal lock-outs and unfair rentals.

How do you lodge a complaint?

Complaints have to be lodged in person or by mail at relevant RHT offices which can be determined by looking online or by phoning 0860 106 166/ 011 355 4000/ 012 483 5020. • Note that while the complaint is under scrutiny, landlords cannot evict a tenant and the tenant cannot refuse to pay rent. • Eastern Cape Rental Housing Tribunal: Call 040 639 1769/ Fax Number: 040 635 1520 /Postal Address: Private BagX0035 Bisho