Asked by Elzali on 06-08-2024 07:04:37
Question posted in the Property Law category relating to Western Cape
My landlord is not renewing my lease which is ending end of Sept. Their reason being that they want to increae the rent by R7 500. I have asked for an extension of the current contract for 3 or 4 months due to the upcoming exams of my matric child (Sept to Nov). I also offered to leave 1 month early (end of Aug) but they insist on charging me penalties even in the event that they find new tenants from Sept. I am now really struggling to find a suitable rental home as a single income family because most rental agencies will not accept my maintenance (which doubles my income) as additional income. Since I work 10km from home and school I need to find something close to school, which is very few and far between. What happens if I cannot find a place? Can I legally keep paying the current rent on a month to month basis after the end of the contract or let them keep my deposit (2 x the rent) instead of paying the rent? This landlord does not communicate with me directly, only through an agency and has not been in any way helpful or willing to compromise. They did offer me the new contract at R5 500 increase, which I can't afford. I offered a R500 increase for the extention of 3 or 4 months, which they rejected. Advice appreciated.
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