The Tshwane metro is encouraging residents to use the free services of the Rental Housing Tribunal to resolve rental housing disputes and to strengthen positive relationships between tenants and landlords.

MMC for Human settlements Alderman Aaron Maluleka said the tribunal serves as an accessible and impartial platform to address rental-related complaints and strengthen fairness within the housing sector.

The Rental Housing Tribunal is a statutory body established in terms of the Rental Housing Act, and has been operational since 2001.

The tribunal consists of 10 members and 10 mediators appointed by the Provincial Department of Housing.

Its main function is to provide efficient and impartial dispute resolution services to tenants, landlords, property agents and interest groups.

Maluleka said officials receive and investigate complaints lodged by affected parties.

“In addition to resolving disputes, the tribunal conducts consumer education programmes and provides information and advice regarding the rights, responsibilities and obligations of both tenants and landlords.”

He explained that among its primary functions is the investigation of complaints through the deployment of inspectors, particularly in maintenance-related matters.

Disputes are mediated by independent mediators to ensure fair outcomes.

Maluleka reminded tenants that they are obligated to pay rent on time, avoid damaging the property and refrain from subletting or overcrowding without the landlord’s consent.

“Landlords, on the other hand, are required to maintain the property in a habitable condition, refrain from unlawfully disconnecting services, follow due legal process before evicting tenants, and avoid unlawful discrimination,” he said.

He further advised residents to ensure that lease agreements are signed and that both parties adhere strictly to the agreed conditions.

To lodge a complaint with the tribunal, residents are required to submit a copy of their ID, a lease agreement, the address of the dwelling and proof of rental payments.

“All services rendered by the tribunal are free of charge,” he said,

Maluleka emphasised that tenants, landlords, property agents and interest groups should approach the tribunal for assistance when disputes arise.

The tribunal operates information offices across Pretoria, including offices in Pretoria North (Akasia), Sinoville, Pretoria Central West, Pretoria Central, Centurion and Laudium, Cullinan, Rayton and Refilwe, Pretoria east, and Bronkhorstspruit.

Do you have more information about the story?

Please send us an email to bennittb@rekord.co.za or phone us on 083 625 4114.

For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord’s websites: Rekord East

For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram or TikTok or WhatsApp Channel