Simple Residential Lease Agreement (Word)
A free, editable lease agreement for a residential rental in South Africa, in plain English and aligned with the Rental Housing Act.
How to edit this template
- 1Replace everything in orange square brackets with your own details, then delete the brackets.
- 2Both the landlord and tenant should sign and date every page, and each party should keep a signed copy.
- 3By law, the landlord must do a joint incoming inspection with the tenant and record the condition of the property — attach this as an annexure.
- 4This is a general-purpose template for a straightforward residential tenancy. For complex leases (e.g. commercial, sectional title with body corporate rules), get advice from an attorney or estate agent.
- 5A filled-in example is included on the last page — use it as a guide for tone and length, not for copying word-for-word.
Before you submit it
- Confirm the recipient's latest format, document and submission requirements on its official website.
- Replace every example name, date, address and reference number with your own accurate information.
- Remove personal information that the recipient has not asked for, especially when sending the document by email.
- Check whether the final document must be signed, witnessed, commissioned or certified before submission.
Filled-in example
RESIDENTIAL LEASE AGREEMENT Entered into between: Landlord: [Landlord's Full Name / Company Name], ID/Registration No. [ID / Registration Number] ("the Landlord") and Tenant: [Tenant's Full Name], ID No. [Tenant's ID Number] ("the Tenant") 1. The Property The Landlord lets and the Tenant hires the residential property situated at [Full Property Address] ("the Property"). 2. Duration This lease begins on [Start Date] and ends on [End Date]. Thereafter the lease will continue on a month-to-month basis unless either party gives [notice period, e.g. one calendar month]'s written notice to terminate. 3. Rental The Tenant will pay rent of R[Monthly Rent Amount] per month, payable in advance on or before the [day of month, e.g. 1st] of each month, into the Landlord's bank account: [Bank Name, Account Number, Branch Code]. Rent will increase annually by [percentage, e.g. 8%] on each anniversary of the start date, unless otherwise agreed in writing. 4. Deposit The Tenant will pay a refundable deposit of R[Deposit Amount] before moving in. The deposit will be held in an interest-bearing account as required by the Rental Housing Act 50 of 1999, and refunded (less any deductions for damage beyond fair wear and tear) within the timeframes prescribed by law after the lease ends. 5. Use of the Property The Property will be used solely as a private residence for [Tenant's name and any additional occupants] and may not be used for any business purpose without the Landlord's prior written consent. 6. Maintenance and Repairs The Tenant must keep the Property clean and report any defects promptly. The Landlord is responsible for maintaining the structure and major fixtures in good repair, except where damage is caused by the Tenant's negligence. 7. Utilities The Tenant is responsible for [list utilities, e.g. electricity, water, refuse removal], to be paid directly to [municipality / landlord, as applicable]. 8. Breach Should either party breach any term of this agreement and fail to remedy it within [number of days, e.g. 7] days of receiving written notice, the aggrieved party may cancel this lease and claim any damages suffered, subject to applicable law. 9. General This agreement is governed by the laws of South Africa, including the Rental Housing Act 50 of 1999 and, where applicable, the Consumer Protection Act 68 of 2008. No amendment is valid unless in writing and signed by both parties. Signed at [Place] on [Date]. _______________________________ _______________________________ [Landlord Signature] [Tenant Signature] Filled-In Example RESIDENTIAL LEASE AGREEMENT Entered into between: Landlord: Karabo Properties CC, Registration No. 2015/123456/23 ("the Landlord") and Tenant: Michael Botha, ID No. 9007145123084 ("the Tenant") 1. The Property The Landlord lets and the Tenant hires the residential property situated at Unit 12, Fernwood Apartments, 8 Rose Street, Observatory, Cape Town, 7925 ("the Property"). 2. Duration This lease begins on 1 October 2026 and ends on 30 September 2027. Thereafter the lease will continue on a month-to-month basis unless either party gives one calendar month's written notice to terminate. 3. Rental The Tenant will pay rent of R9,500 per month, payable in advance on or before the 1st of each month, into the Landlord's bank account: FNB, Account 62012345678, Branch Code 250655. Rent will increase annually by 8% on each anniversary of the start date, unless otherwise agreed in writing. 4. Deposit The Tenant will pay a refundable deposit of R9,500 before moving in. The deposit will be held in an interest-bearing account as required by the Rental Housing Act 50 of 1999, and refunded (less any deductions for damage beyond fair wear and tear) within the timeframes prescribed by law after the lease ends. 5. Use of the Property The Property will be used solely as a private residence for Michael Botha and may not be used for any business purpose without the Landlord's prior written consent. 6. Maintenance and Repairs The Tenant must keep the Property clean and report any defects promptly. The Landlord is responsible for maintaining the structure and major fixtures in good repair, except where damage is caused by the Tenant's negligence. 7. Utilities The Tenant is responsible for electricity and water, to be paid directly to the City of Cape Town. 8. Breach Should either party breach any term of this agreement and fail to remedy it within 7 days of receiving written notice, the aggrieved party may cancel this lease and claim any damages suffered, subject to applicable law. 9. General This agreement is governed by the laws of South Africa, including the Rental Housing Act 50 of 1999 and, where applicable, the Consumer Protection Act 68 of 2008. No amendment is valid unless in writing and signed by both parties. Signed at Cape Town on 24 September 2026. _______________________________ _______________________________ Karabo Properties CC (Landlord) Michael Botha (Tenant)
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