South African tax year 1 March 2026 to 28 February 2027
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Landlord toolkit for South African landlords

Everything a private landlord needs, from the lease to the tax return: free, written for the Rental Housing Act, the Consumer Protection Act and SARS rules.

Rental Housing ActCPA notice periodsRental tax 2026/27
Rental income tax calculatorTax on your rental profit, with every deductionDeposit interest calculatorInterest owed to the tenant + refund deadlinesRent increase calculatorNew rent, escalation and notice datesLease agreement templateResidential lease with the Rental Housing Act termsRent arrears letter of demandLetter of demand with the CPA 20 business daysRent trackerWho paid, who's late; Pro reads your bank statement

The landlord year in South Africa

  1. Before the tenant moves in: sign a written lease (template), take the deposit and put it in an interest-bearing account, and do a joint incoming inspection.
  2. Every month: track rent received (rent tracker) and keep receipts for rates, levies, repairs and insurance.
  3. If rent is late: send a written letter of demand. For most residential leases the Consumer Protection Act gives the tenant 20 business days to pay before you can cancel.
  4. At renewal: apply the escalation (rent increase calculator) and give notice 40 to 80 business days before a fixed term ends.
  5. When the tenant leaves: joint outgoing inspection, then refund the deposit with interest within 7, 14 or 21 days (deposit calculator).
  6. Tax time: declare the rental profit on your ITR12 (rental tax calculator). Rental income above R30,000 a year usually makes you a provisional taxpayer.

Questions about a specific situation? Ask TaxBot, which also knows the Rental Housing Act and the PIE Act basics.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a written lease in South Africa?

Yes. Since the Rental Housing Amendment Act, residential leases must be in writing, and the landlord must give the tenant a copy.

Can I evict a tenant myself?

No. Under the PIE Act only a court order can evict a residential occupier. Changing locks, removing belongings or cutting electricity or water is unlawful.

Is rental income taxed?

Yes. Rental profit (rent less deductible expenses) is added to your other income and taxed at your marginal rate.