Failure to pay rent in Cape Town, South Africa
Here are some potential consequences:
Late fees
Your lease agreement may include provisions for late payment fees. If you fail to pay on time, you could be subject to additional charges.
Eviction proceedings
If you fail to pay rent more than once, the landlord may initiate eviction proceedings. This process typically involves informing the respective party that they are within breach of their contract and either requesting specific performance in terms of your contract or cancelling your lease in line with contractual steps agreed upon in the lease agreement. Legal notices and court actions may follow, and it could result in your being forced to vacate the property and leaving you with a large bill for the outstanding period of your contract.
Damage to credit score
Unpaid rent can impact your credit score negatively. Landlords may report your non-payment to credit bureaus, affecting your ability to secure housing in the future. With systems such as TPN monitoring payment history, this is an automated process in general.
Blacklisting
There is a national tenant database in South Africa where landlords can report tenants who have defaulted on their rent. Being listed on this database can make it challenging to secure future rental accommodation, as credit vetting is a large portion of the decision-making process for a landlord or his agent.
Legal action
Landlords may take legal action to recover the unpaid rent or damages, and you could be held liable for the costs associated with such legal proceedings in terms of your contract.
It is crucial to be aware of the terms outlined in your lease agreement and understand the legal implications of non-payment in your specific location.