Rental Dispute Resolution Tips

Summary

In South Africa, tenant rights are protected under the Rental Housing Act. Landlords must provide notice for entry and cannot change locks or shut off utilities as a form of eviction. Deposit disputes should be taken to the Rental Housing Tribunal. Small claims procedures vary, but unresolved rental issues can often be addressed there. If you need more specific guidance or legal assistance, consider reaching out to local legal aid services or a lawyer in South Africa.

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Hi. I am Shivona
Hi Shivona! How can I assist you with your legal issue today?
So it is a legal dispute about rent I owe. But I promise once I explain, you will see why
Hi Shivona! Could you please share a bit more about your situation? Specifically, what's the reason for the rent dispute? This will help me provide more tailored information for your situation.
I have occupied the premises from 1st October * to * September *. During October * to September *, there was a lease agreement. The agreed rent stated R5950. Since October * to August * *, I occupied without a lease but paid my rent. I will get the month but sometime in * my mom was contacted and required rent changed to R6450, I did pay it for that one month only as my mother was stressed about it.
It sounds like you're dealing with a rent dispute due to a change in rent without a renewed lease agreement. Here are some general points to consider:
- Lease Agreement: If no new lease was signed after September *, the original terms often continue unless a new agreement is reached.
- Rent Increase: The landlord typically needs to provide proper notice and justification for any rent increase.
- Tenant Rights: Check local tenant laws, as they vary by location. They often protect against unexpected rent hikes.
Could you let me know your location to provide more specific information or guidance?
Afterwards, I had to move out and gave a notice in August, I will move out end of August *. I did not pay rent, as I knew I won't get my deposit back so I held back, I still did not get paid my deposit. During my last month there, there's been multiple attempts to get money from me. She put a blocker in my door, came into the place without my permission and shut off my water for the last week, which is why I had to move out * August. I did clean the apartment to the best of my ability.
Case Rating: *
It seems like you're dealing with a complex rental dispute involving withheld rent, unauthorized entry, and utility shutoff. Here are some general considerations:
- Deposit Withholding: Landlords must typically provide an itemized list of deductions or return the deposit.
- Unauthorized Entry: Tenants have a right to privacy; landlords often need permission to enter.
- Water Shutoff: Landlords generally cannot shut off utilities as a means of eviction.
To provide more specific guidance, could you please share your location or region?
Note, I did have cats and it stated in the lease, no pets but she acknowledged them in person and didn't say anything. She threatened SPCA will take them away(another away I believe she wanted to get money) also now she sends me this smalls claims court hearing notice for rent on the notice it says R5950+ costs+ interests but in the message she says R6950. I don't have proof for water issue or she came in without permission but I do have a pic she put a blocker in the door and kept threatening to throw my stuff out but I did take pics before I left, also prior to that. I kept trying to contact her to get my gyser fixed and it went on for so long(this lead me to believe my deposit won't be paid back, hence I was hesitant to pay). She also told me to take her to the rental tribunal but I did not feel it's worth the effort.
Case Rating: *
It sounds like a complicated situation with several issues at play. Knowing your location would help in providing more precise legal information. Additionally, small claims court proceedings can vary significantly depending on your jurisdiction. If you're in the U.S., local tenant laws can offer some protection. Could you let me know your location or region?
I am in South Africa
Case Rating: *
It seems like you've got a tough rental situation on your hands. In South Africa, tenant rights are protected under the Rental Housing Act. Here are a few key points:
- Landlords must provide notice for entry and cannot change locks or shut off utilities as a form of eviction.
- Deposit disputes should be taken to the Rental Housing Tribunal.
- Small claims procedures vary, but unresolved rental issues can often be addressed there.
If you need more specific guidance or legal assistance, consider reaching out to local legal aid services or a lawyer in South Africa.