How soon must a deposit be refunded in South Africa?

Within 7 days if nothing is owed, within 14 days of the property being restored to the landlord if there are deductions, and within 21 days of expiry if the tenant doesn’t attend the outgoing inspection.

Who gets the interest on a rental deposit?

The tenant. The landlord must keep the deposit in an interest-bearing account, and give written proof of the interest if asked.

Does a lease have to be in writing?

No, a spoken lease is valid, but if the tenant asks, the landlord must put it in writing.

Free tool

Lease agreement template for South Africa

A residential lease with the Rental Housing Act’s rules on deposits, joint inspections and refunds already written in. Nothing you enter leaves your browser.

This template is not legal advice, and we’re not lawyers. Have an attorney or your provincial Rental Housing Tribunal check anything unusual.

Landlord’s full nameOne name per line if there’s more than one.Landlord’s address for noticesLandlord’s phone or email, optionalTenant’s full nameOne name per line. Include every adult tenant.Address of the property

How long does it last?

Fixed datesRolling, until notice

Start dateEnd date

Currency

Rent (ZAR)Rent is paid eachRent is due on theSuch as 1st, or Friday.Deposit (ZAR)Leave blank if there’s no deposit.

Rent paid in advance

Some places limit how much rent can be taken in advance, so check your local rules.

How rent is paid, optionalSuch as bank transfer or mobile money, with the account details.Bills included in the rent, optionalBills the tenant pays directly, optionalFurniture and appliances included, optionalPetsOther terms, optionalOne per line, such as parking or a garden.

Word lets you change any clause. Blank lines can be filled in by hand. Read the whole lease before anyone signs.

Residential Lease Agreement

Landlord: ____________________

Tenant: ____________________

1. The Property and who lives there

The Landlord lets ____________________ ("the Property") to the Tenant as a private home.

2. How long it lasts

This agreement starts on ____________________ and ends on ____________________.

3. Rent

The rent is ZAR ____________________ for each month. It is due on the 1st of each month.

The Landlord will give a receipt for any rent paid in cash.

4. Deposit

No deposit is payable.

5. Bills

The rent does not include any bills.

The Tenant pays all other bills for the Property directly.

6. What the Tenant agrees to do

Pay the rent on time.

Keep the Property clean and in good condition, and report any damage or needed repairs promptly.

Pay for any damage caused by the Tenant or their guests, apart from fair wear and tear.

Not cause a nuisance to neighbours, and not use the Property for anything illegal.

Not make changes to the Property, or pass on or sublet any of it, without the Landlord’s written consent.

7. What the Landlord agrees to do

Keep the structure, roof, plumbing, electrics and any supplied appliances in good repair, and carry out repairs within a reasonable time after being told about them.

Let the Tenant live in the Property peacefully.

Give at least 24 hours’ written notice before entering, except in an emergency.

8. Pets

The Tenant may keep a pet only with the Landlord’s written consent, which will not be unreasonably refused.

9. Ending this agreement

This agreement ends on the end date above unless both sides agree in writing to extend it or end it sooner.

If the Tenant seriously breaks this agreement, for example by not paying rent, the Landlord will give written notice and a reasonable time to put it right before taking any further step allowed by law.

Nothing in this agreement limits any right the Tenant has under the Rental Housing Act or the Consumer Protection Act.

When this agreement ends, the Tenant will leave the Property clean and in the same condition as at the start, apart from fair wear and tear, and return all keys.

10. Notices

Notices to the Landlord go to ____________________.

Notices to the Tenant go to the Property.

11. The law

This agreement is the whole agreement between the Landlord and the Tenant, and any change must be in writing and signed by both. It is governed by the law of the country where the Property is. If any term conflicts with that law, the law applies and the other terms stay in force.

Signatures

Landlord: Landlord

Signature: __________________ Date: ____________

Witness name and signature: __________________

Tenant: Tenant

Signature: __________________ Date: ____________

Witness name and signature: __________________

Before anyone signs

A lease doesn’t have to be in writing, but the tenant can ask for one and you must then provide it.
Keep the deposit in an interest-bearing account. The interest belongs to the tenant.
Do the joint inspection before move-in and again within three days before the lease ends. Skipping one can cost you the right to claim for damage.
If you let property as a business, the Consumer Protection Act may also apply, including limits on fixed terms and notice before the term ends. Sources differ on when it covers a private lease, so get advice if you’re unsure.
If an estate agent holds the deposit, separate property practitioner rules apply.

Questions

How soon must a deposit be refunded in South Africa?: Within 7 days if nothing is owed, within 14 days of the property being restored to the landlord if there are deductions, and within 21 days of expiry if the tenant doesn’t attend the outgoing inspection.
Who gets the interest on a rental deposit?: The tenant. The landlord must keep the deposit in an interest-bearing account, and give written proof of the interest if asked.
Does a lease have to be in writing?: No, a spoken lease is valid, but if the tenant asks, the landlord must put it in writing.

Last checked 1 November 2026. Source: Section 5 of the Rental Housing Act, explained (Recording Law).

See the general template, or see what tenants can afford.