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The Daily Insight

What happens if a tenant refuses to leave?

Author

Henry Morales

Published Mar 11, 2026

In both these cases, if the tenant does not vacate, the landlord will have to file a suit for eviction in the district court and get an order,” explains Kumar Mihir, a Supreme Court lawyer. In case the tenant refuses to pay the increased rent after one year, the landlord can ask him to vacate the property.

Can’t pay rent What are my rights South Africa?

Failure to pay rental promptly and in full will usually constitute a breach of the lease, which in turn could entitle the landowner to cancel the lease, evict the tenant and claim arrear rental and damages from the tenant. If the contract is silent on force majeure, then the tenant may not withhold rent.

Why you should not withhold rent?

Withholding rent, not paying rent to your landlord or threatening to stop paying rent could put you at risk of breaking the original contract. Don’t withhold your rent as this could lead to you being evicted by the landlords and losing your home. You have a legal obligation to continue paying your rent.

Can I be evicted during level 4 lockdown?

Evictions are allowed! Provided that any order of the eviction shall be stayed and suspended till the last day of Level 4. Unless a Court decides that it is not just and equitable to stay and suspend the order until he last day of the alert level.

Is it legal to cut off electricity supply?

There is no rule in our law which grants a landlord the authority to cut the electricity supply of his tenant should that tenant be in arrears with his electricity charges. The main thing is not to take the law into own hands, but rather use the mechanisms afforded by law to address the situation.

Can I sue my landlord for Mould?

You can sue your landlord for mold: If you’ve incurred any costs in attempting to remediate the mold yourself; For mold-related damages to your personal property, if you do not have renter’s insurance or your renter’s insurance does not cover mold; For your pain and suffering caused by the health effects of mold.

When should you withhold rent?

Rent withholding can only be used if the rental needs serious repairs. Tenants can’t withhold rent every time a landlord fails to make a repair. To legally withhold rent, the needed repairs must make it unsafe or unhealthy for the tenant to live in the unit.

Can I be evicted in Level 1 lockdown?

TPN says lockdown Level 1 allows the courts to delay granting the eviction until the end of the National State of Disaster.

Can a person be evicted during lockdown?

2. Can a landlord evict a tenant during the period of lockdown? No. This means that even a landlord who is in possession of a Court Order authorizing the eviction of a tenant or the sale in execution of a tenant’s property may not lawfully proceed with such action.

How does electricity get disconnected?

Your electricity or gas supply can be disconnected when: you don’t contact the retailer to open an account or to pay for energy you’ve used. you don’t agree to any of the retailer’s payment plan offers. you don’t keep to your payment plan, you miss a payment or your payment is late.

Can the municipality cut off electricity during lockdown?

The answer is yes. There is no obligation on the Municipality to provide you with electricity supply if you do not pay your rates and taxes. This court said that the Municipality could not disconnect the electricity supply without obtaining a court order first.