Practical tips for landlords and tenants before January renewals
The start of a new year is a natural reset point. People are planning budgets, setting financial goals and trying to avoid the setbacks of the previous year. For the property industry, January is also one of the busiest renewal periods, which makes it the ideal time for landlords and tenants to review their lease agreements. A lease is not something that should be printed, signed and filed away forever. It should be kept accurate, updated and relevant. When it falls behind on legislation or does not reflect the current condition of the property, it becomes a source of risk for both parties.
A simple annual review can prevent misunderstandings, reduce disputes and protect both landlords and tenants. It is a small task that delivers a big benefit.
For Landlords: Keep Leases Current, Clear and Legally Sound
Many landlords only review a lease once a problem appears. By that time, it is usually too late. A proactive review before renewals gives landlords the time to correct outdated clauses, attach missing documents and make sure their agreement reflects how the property is actually being used.
There are a few areas landlords should always check:
- Escalation rates. Increases should be fair and aligned with current market conditions.
- Tariffs and utilities. If a property has prepaid or separate metering, it must be written into the agreement.
- Added technology. Backup power, inverters, solar panels, fibre and prepaid water systems must all be noted in writing.
- Maintenance responsibilities. These must be clearly divided so there is no confusion about who repairs what.
Vague clauses are one of the biggest causes of disputes. If the lease simply says the landlord handles maintenance, some tenants interpret that as everything, while landlords interpret it as structural repairs only. A one-sentence change can prevent months of argument.
Leases also need to comply with the Rental Housing Act, the Consumer Protection Act and POPIA. Many professional rental offices send their templates for an annual legal check for this exact reason. It protects both sides and ensures that deposits, notices and cancellations are handled correctly.
A proper ingoing inspection is just as important. Dated photographs protect landlords from unfair damage claims and protect tenants from being charged for issues that were already there. Without a formal inspection, both sides lose their strongest evidence.
Communication plays a major role, too. A landlord who explains changes and gives tenants time to read and ask questions is more likely to maintain a positive, long-term relationship. As Pieter van den Berg, Director at Just Property Prosper, explains, “When tenants feel included in the process, they are more likely to accept changes and stay on for the long haul.”
For Tenants: Read, Review, and Ask Questions
Tenants often rush through renewals because they want to secure the home and move on with life, but a lease is a tenant’s most important protection. It prevents unfair deductions, sudden notices and surprise costs.
When renewing, tenants should start with the financial details: rent escalation, deposits, utilities and how accounts will be billed. They should then check how maintenance works, how inspections are done and what the notice period is. Any new technology added to the property should also be included in writing. If the home now has fibre, prepaid electricity or backup power, it must appear in the lease.
Many tenants feel nervous to question a clause, but they should not. Most problems come from silence, not from speaking up. As van den Berg points out, “If something does not look right, ask for clarification in writing. Most responsible landlords appreciate proactive communication.”
Tenants who have a clean payment record, look after the property and have proven reliability also have negotiation power. They can request fair adjustments, ask for clarity on new rules and discuss rental increases. As he explains, “A reasonable landlord will almost always prefer keeping a good tenant at a fair rent rather than risking a vacancy.”
A Better Year Starts With a Better Lease
January is already a busy and expensive month for most households. It is much easier to start the year with a lease agreement that is clear, organised and updated, instead of trying to fix problems once school, work and bills pile up. When both sides know exactly what to expect, the rental relationship becomes smoother and less stressful.
A good lease protects the property, protects the money involved and protects the people living in the home. A few hours spent reviewing it now can prevent months of frustration later. The start of a new year is the ideal time to make sure everything is in order.
A well-maintained property starts with a well-maintained lease, and both landlords and tenants benefit from giving theirs a yearly check-up
