Property requirements cover what landlords, lenders and municipalities ask for, and the standards that apply to buildings themselves.
Requirements here come from several directions at once. Satisfying a landlord does not satisfy the municipality, and meeting a lender criteria says nothing about whether a structure is compliant.
Property Requirements at a Glance
Property requirements fall into groups assessed by different parties, each with its own criteria and its own timeline.
- Affordability and credit, assessed by landlords and lenders
- Documents and references, assessed at application
- Compliance certificates, required at transfer
- Building regulations, administered by the municipality
Eligibility and Financial Requirements
Landlords commonly apply an income multiple of the rent and check credit record and references. Lenders assess affordability, deposit and credit record.
Each sets its own criteria within the law, so being declined by one does not mean you will be declined by another. Ask for the reason before reapplying.
Documents and Verification Required
Expect to supply an identity document, proof of income, bank statements and references for a rental application, plus the deposit the landlord requires.
Deposits are the landlord to hold rather than to spend, and the conditions for their return should be recorded in writing at the start of the lease alongside a signed inspection record. That record is what settles disputes at the end.
Property, Compliance or Technical Requirements
Property transactions normally require compliance certificates covering matters such as the electrical installation, and these are obtained before transfer.
Building work is governed by national regulations but administered by the municipality, which approves plans and may impose additional local requirements. Confirm with the municipality before starting work, since retrospective approval is considerably harder to obtain.
Application, Registration or Approval Process
Rental applications are made to the landlord or agent. Transfers are handled by a conveyancer, and building approvals by the municipality.
Each has its own timeline, and they are usually sequential rather than parallel. Establish the order of steps before committing to dates, particularly where a transfer and a move are being coordinated.
Frequently Asked Questions
What income do landlords require?
Landlords commonly apply an income multiple of the rent, but each sets its own criteria within the law.
Who administers building requirements?
Regulations apply nationally but municipalities approve plans and may add local requirements.
How do I protect my rental deposit?
Record the property condition in writing with the landlord at the start of the lease and keep a signed copy.
Confirm with the landlord, lender, conveyancer or municipality responsible for the specific requirement. Requirements.co.za is an independent information website and cannot process or decide applications. Return to Property and Housing Requirements.