Renting? Here’s What Nobody Warned You About

Moving out for the first time is a thrilling milestone—your own space, rules, and vibe. But in South Africa, it’s also a crash course in adulting: bills, chores, and unexpected challenges.

Before jumping into rental ads, ask: **Am I ready—financially, emotionally, and practically?** This guide arms you with the key info you need.

1. Should You Move Out Yet? The Big Question

Step 1: Do you qualify to rent?

Landlords want to know you won’t struggle to pay rent. That’s why they typically ask for proof (like payslips or a bank statement) that you earn **2.5–3 times the monthly rent**.

They also like rent to stay under **30% of your take-home pay**—this keeps your budget healthy.

Example

If you earn **R10,000 after tax**, aim for rent of **R3,000 or less**.

Step 2: Can you cover the upfront costs?

Moving in isn’t just about paying rent from day one—you’ll need a chunk of cash **ready before** you get the keys. These costs can catch first-timers off guard, so plan ahead:

Deposit: **1–2 months’ rent** (refundable if the place is left in good condition).
First month’s rent: Paid in full before moving in.
Application fees: **R100–R500** (some landlords charge for credit or reference checks).
Moving costs: Van hire, petrol, or professional movers.

The Real Total

If rent is R4,000, you need at least **R8,000–R12,000** saved just to move in.

2. Beyond Rent – The Full Monthly Budget

Rent is the biggest line item, but the other bills will hit you every month. Here is what a simple, independent monthly budget looks like:

Expense Category	Estimated Cost (Range)	Notes
Utilities (Water & Electricity)	R800 – R1,500+	Varies widely based on usage, geyser, and complex levies.
Transport	R1,500 – R4,000	Car repayments, insurance, petrol, or taxi/bus fares.
Groceries	R2,000 – R3,500	Cooking at home is your superpower. Takeaways are budget killers.
Insurance (Contents)	R200 – R500	Covers your furniture, electronics, and clothes from theft/fire. It is smart!
Fun & Lifestyle	R300 – R600+	Netflix, gym, socialising, clothing. Be realistic here.

3. Understanding Lease Agreements: Read It Like Your Life Depends On It

Your lease is a **legal contract**. It protects both you and your landlord, but can trap you if you don’t read it carefully. They are usually heavy reading, but it is important you know where you stand.

Key Lease Terms You MUST Check

Rent & Escalation: Check the monthly rent and the annual increase (usually **6–10%**).
Deposit: How much, and when do you get it back (usually within **14 days** of leaving and after any damages are deducted)?
Utilities: Are water, electricity, or Wi-Fi included? How are shared bills split?
Maintenance: Who fixes what? Landlords for big stuff (plumbing), tenants for minor repairs (light bulbs).
Notice Period: Usually **1 month** to end the lease.
House Rules: Guests, pets, smoking, loud music? **Don't assume.**

Pro Tip: Document Everything

**Take videos and pictures** of the space when you first move in. This will help you contest any deductions from your deposit for damages that were not caused by you.

4. Your Rights as a Tenant in South Africa

The **Rental Housing Act** gives you certain rights that your landlord cannot ignore. Know them!

The Right to Privacy: Your landlord cannot enter your space without your permission. They must give you **reasonable notice** (usually 24 hours) for inspections or repairs.
The Right to a Written Lease: You have the right to a clear, written lease agreement.
No Lockouts: A landlord cannot legally change the locks or cut off essential services (water/electricity) just because you’re late on rent. They must follow a proper eviction process through the court.
Fair Deposit Handling: Your deposit money must be kept in a separate, interest-bearing bank account during your lease term.