Cutting off electricity
Cutting off electricity – Is your landlord allowed to do it? Disputes between landlords and tenants most often arise when both or one of the parties has not adhered to the terms and conditions of a lease agreement.
One of the most common disagreements arises over non-payment or late payment of rent. It must be noted, though, that the responsibilities attached to a lease agreement are equally borne by landlords and tenants.
The relationship between a landlord and tenant is governed and overseen by the Rental Housing Act 50 of 1999. In terms of municipal services, including the provision of electricity and water to a rented property, the landlord is ultimately responsible for ensuring that these are provided to their tenant.
Moreover, even if there are rental arrears, a landlord is not entitled to cut off the supply of water and electricity to their rented property. In terms of the Rental Housing Act and its related legislation, it has become a criminal offence to do so. Similarly, it is illegal for a landlord to change the locks on a rented property to “lock out” a tenant, even if rental arrears exist.
Are you experiencing issues with your landlord cutting off electricity? Get in contact with us or learn more about Simon Dippenaar Eviction Lawyer.
Eviction Lawyer
http://www.sdlaw.co.zaThe information on this website is provided to assist the reader with a general understanding of the law. While we believe the information to be factually accurate, and have taken care in our preparation of these pages, these articles cannot and do not take individual circumstances into account and are not a substitute for personal legal advice. If you have a legal matter that concerns you, please consult a qualified attorney. Simon Dippenaar & Associates takes no responsibility for any action you may take as a result of reading the information contained herein (or the consequences thereof), in the absence of professional legal advice.