Frequently Asked Questions: South African Eviction Law

Unopposed evictions in the Magistrates Court generally range between R10,000 and R25,000, depending on the required Sheriff service attempts. Opposed evictions involve additional affidavits and court appearances. Our intake coordinators connect you with panel attorneys who provide upfront fee quotes.

Yes. Panel attorneys can issue a Rent Interdict Summons alongside the eviction. Under Section 31 of the Magistrates' Courts Act, this serves as an automatic interdict preventing the tenant from removing movable property from the dwelling until the rental debt is settled.

An unopposed eviction typically takes 3 to 5 months. The exact duration depends on court roll scheduling in your jurisdiction and prompt return of service for the Section 4(2) notice and the final order by the Sheriff.

Yes. Verbal leases are legally recognized under the Rental Housing Act. To cancel a month-to-month verbal tenancy, the landlord must provide one full calendar month notice (running from the 1st of the month to the last day). If the occupant remains after the notice period expires, eviction proceedings can begin.

No. Disconnecting utilities or locking out tenants without a court order constitutes illegal spoliation and is a statutory offense under Section 16 of the Rental Housing Act. The tenant can obtain an urgent High Court order forcing reconnection, with punitive legal costs awarded against the landlord.