Question posted in the Landlord Tenant Law category relating to KwaZulu-Natal
Hi there I signed a fixed lease on the 4th jan from Jan to aug 2025. I lived overseas and only landed in SA on the 10th Jan midnight. The move in inspection was meant to be done on the 11th Jan but was put on hold until the 13th Jan as per the rental agent. Whilst doing the inspection i told the landlord that i needed the back door to have a key as i have value items that cant be left in the house with a door that cant be locked on a shared property. I also told them about the big gaps where insects and frogs were getting in. There was nothing mentioned about sorting those out. Whilst doing the inspection the landlord had said I had damaged the walls and the ceiling fan after only being there 2 full days. They then told me I had to pay extra per night if I had people stay over. I also had to be out the property by 8am daily so the helper could clean. I had to get written agreement to have people visit me. At this point I then told them I would like to give my notice. Since doing so. I have been told to pay R350 extra per night my brother stayed over, I have been asked to pay one month penalty R8000 and now they say I am liable for loss of income until they get new tenants. I unfortunately put my trust into the rental agent and took her verbal confirmations for discussions we had over the phone. She assured me that even though there were clauses in the contract that it did not matter. But now she is holding it all against me. I need some advice please.