Simple Room Rental Agreement Template for South Africa

The Simple Room Rental Agreement serves as a fundamental legal instrument in South Africa's residential rental market, particularly useful for property owners renting out individual rooms within larger properties. This document type has become increasingly important with the growth of shared housing arrangements and the need for flexible accommodation solutions. The agreement ensures compliance with South African rental housing legislation, including the Rental Housing Act 50 of 1999 and the Prevention of Illegal Eviction Act, while providing clear guidelines for both landlords and tenants. It's structured to cover all essential aspects of room rental, from basic terms to specific provisions for shared facilities, making it suitable for various scenarios from student accommodation to professional house-sharing arrangements.

1. Parties: Identification and contact details of the landlord/lessor and tenant/lessee

2. Background: Brief context explaining the purpose of the agreement and property ownership

3. Definitions: Explanations of key terms used throughout the agreement

4. Property Description: Detailed description of the room and any shared facilities included in the rental

5. Rental Term: Duration of the lease, including start and end dates, and renewal terms

6. Rental Amount and Payment Terms: Monthly rent amount, payment method, due date, and late payment consequences

7. Deposit: Amount of security deposit, terms of holding, and conditions for refund

8. Utilities and Services: Responsibility for payment of electricity, water, internet, and other services

9. Maintenance and Repairs: Responsibilities of landlord and tenant regarding property maintenance

10. House Rules: Basic rules regarding noise, guests, smoking, pets, and use of shared facilities

11. Termination: Conditions and process for ending the agreement by either party

12. Breach and Dispute Resolution: Process for handling breaches and resolving disputes

13. Signatures: Space for parties to sign and date the agreement