How long does a landlord have to return my deposit in South Africa?

Under the Rental Housing Act, if there was no inspection dispute the deposit plus interest must be refunded within 7 days of the lease ending. Where deductions are made after a joint inspection, it must be refunded within 14 days, and where you failed to attend an inspection, within 21 days. A written demand quoting these timeframes is the correct first step.

How much does a letter to my landlord cost?

A single professionally drafted letter to your landlord costs R79 as a once-off payment, with no subscription and no account required.

Landlord Complaint Letter South Africa — Deposit, Repairs & Eviction

Q: Can I force my landlord to do repairs?

A landlord must keep the property in a habitable condition. Put your repair request in writing with a reasonable deadline. If it is ignored, you can lodge a free complaint with your provincial Rental Housing Tribunal, which can order the landlord to carry out repairs.

Q: Where do I escalate a rental dispute?

Every province has a free Rental Housing Tribunal that resolves disputes between tenants and landlords, including deposits, repairs, and unfair practices. You lodge a complaint at no cost after your written demand goes unanswered.

Rental disputes almost always come down to who put what in writing. A landlord who ignores a WhatsApp will often act the moment a formal, dated letter arrives that quotes the Rental Housing Act and sets a deadline — because that same letter is what the Rental Housing Tribunal will look at if the matter goes further. A professional letter shows you know your rights without turning the relationship hostile.

When to send a letter to your landlord

Your deposit hasn't been returned — the lease has ended and the deposit plus interest is overdue, or unfair deductions were made.
Repairs are being ignored — a leaking roof, broken geyser, electrical faults or anything that makes the home less than habitable.
Unlawful eviction or lock-out — the landlord is trying to remove you or change the locks without a court order.
Disputed utilities or charges — inflated water and electricity recovery, or charges not provided for in your lease.
Breach of the lease — entry without notice, failure to maintain, or withholding services.

Which South African law applies

The rules your letter can reference The Rental Housing Act 50 of 1999 is the backbone of tenant protection — it governs deposits (including the interest owed to you and the refund timeframes), the landlord's duty to maintain the property, and unfair practices. The Consumer Protection Act 68 of 2008 applies to many fixed-term leases, and unlawful evictions are governed by the PIE Act 19 of 1998, which requires a court order before anyone can be evicted.

Deposit timeframes are specific: with no dispute, the refund is due within 7 days of the lease ending; after a joint inspection with deductions, within 14 days; and where you didn't attend the inspection, within 21 days. LetterUp quotes the right timeframe for your situation.

What to include in your letter

Your name, the property address and the lease start/end dates.
The specific problem — the amount of deposit outstanding, or the exact repairs required.
A reference to the landlord's obligations under the Rental Housing Act.
The remedy you want: the refund with interest, the repair completed, or the unlawful conduct stopped.
A firm deadline and notice that you will approach the Rental Housing Tribunal if ignored.

Let LetterUp draft it for you

Tell us what your landlord did in plain English. You'll get a professional PDF that quotes the right law — for R79, no account needed.

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Where to escalate if they ignore you

Send your written demandDeliver the letter and keep proof (email, hand-delivery signature, or a WhatsApp with the PDF attached).

Lodge with the Rental Housing TribunalEvery province has one, and it's free. It can order a deposit refund, compel repairs, or rule a practice unfair. Its rulings are binding.

Court for eviction or larger claimsUnlawful evictions are dealt with by the Magistrate's Court under the PIE Act; monetary claims can go to the Small Claims Court.

Frequently asked questions

How long does my landlord have to return the deposit?

With no dispute, within 7 days of the lease ending; with deductions after a joint inspection, within 14 days; and where you didn't attend the inspection, within 21 days — plus the interest earned. A written demand quoting these timeframes is the right first step.

Can I force my landlord to do repairs?

A landlord must keep the property habitable. Put the request in writing with a reasonable deadline; if ignored, the Rental Housing Tribunal can order the repairs at no cost to you.

How much does the letter cost?

R79 as a once-off payment — no subscription and no account required for individuals.

Where do I escalate a rental dispute?

Your provincial Rental Housing Tribunal resolves tenant–landlord disputes for free, including deposits, repairs and unfair practices, once your written demand has gone unanswered.

When to send a letter to your landlord

Which South African law applies

What to include in your letter

Let LetterUp draft it for you

Where to escalate if they ignore you

Frequently asked questions

How long does my landlord have to return the deposit?

Can I force my landlord to do repairs?

How much does the letter cost?

Where do I escalate a rental dispute?

Related letters & guides

Getting your rental deposit back

How to write a letter of demand

Municipality complaint letter

Write any complaint letter