Notice of Rent Due Template for South Africa

A Notice of Rent Due is a formal warning that landlords send to tenants when rent payments are late or missing. In South Africa, this notice typically marks the first step in addressing rental arrears before taking more serious legal action under the Rental Housing Act.

The notice must clearly state the amount owed, payment deadline, and consequences of non-payment. South African law requires landlords to give tenants reasonable time to settle outstanding rent before pursuing eviction. Most rental agreements specify a grace period of 7 days, after which the landlord can issue this notice and start documenting the breach of contract.

Issue a Notice of Rent Due as soon as your tenant misses the regular payment date specified in the lease agreement. In South Africa, sending this notice right after the grace period ends helps establish a clear record of non-payment and protects your legal position if you need to take further action.

The notice becomes essential when rent is more than 7 days late, when tenants have a pattern of late payments, or before starting eviction proceedings. Using it early shows professionalism and gives tenants a formal opportunity to fix the problem before the situation escalates into a costly legal dispute through the Rental Housing Tribunal.

• Standard Late Rent Notice: Basic notice stating the amount due and payment deadline, commonly used for first-time late payments
• Final Notice: More strongly worded version sent after previous notices, outlining legal consequences and eviction risks
• Itemized Notice: Detailed breakdown of rent, utilities, penalties, and other charges, often used for complex rental arrangements
• Breach Notice: Combines rent demand with formal breach of lease notification, required before legal proceedings
• Payment Plan Notice: Includes proposed repayment schedule while demanding outstanding rent, useful for maintaining tenant relationships

• Property Owners/Landlords: Draft and issue the Notice of Rent Due to protect their rental income and maintain proper documentation
• Property Management Companies: Handle notices on behalf of landlords, often using standardized templates and tracking systems
• Tenants: Receive and must respond to these notices within specified timeframes to avoid legal consequences
• Legal Representatives: Review notices for compliance with rental laws and assist in enforcement if payment isn't received
• Rental Housing Tribunal: May review notices during dispute resolution between landlords and tenants

• Lease Agreement Review: Locate the original lease to confirm payment terms, grace periods, and tenant details
• Payment Records: Calculate exact amounts owed, including any permitted late fees or penalties
• Tenant Information: Verify current contact details and correct property address for service
• Timeline Documentation: Note all relevant dates - when rent was due, grace period expiry, and notice delivery
• Legal Requirements: Our platform ensures your notice includes all mandatory elements under South African rental laws
• Delivery Method: Plan how you'll deliver the notice and document proof of delivery

• Property Details: Full address and unit number of the rental property
• Tenant Information: Legal names of all tenants listed on the lease agreement
• Payment Details: Exact amount due, original due date, and payment methods accepted
• Grace Period Reference: Mention of any applicable grace period per lease terms
• Legal Compliance Statement: Reference to relevant sections of the Rental Housing Act
• Payment Deadline: Clear statement of when full payment must be received
• Consequences: Outline of potential legal actions if payment isn't made
• Landlord Details: Full contact information and signature of property owner/manager

A Notice of Rent Due differs significantly from a Notice of Default in several key ways, though both deal with missed payments. Understanding these differences helps landlords choose the right legal tool for their situation.

• Timing and Purpose: A Notice of Rent Due is typically the first formal communication about missed rent, while a Notice of Default is more serious and usually follows multiple missed payments or lease violations
• Legal Weight: A Notice of Rent Due serves mainly as a payment reminder and record, whereas a Notice of Default formally declares the tenant in breach of contract
• Next Steps: Rent Due notices focus on collecting payment and maintaining the tenancy, while Default notices often initiate the process toward lease termination or legal action
• Required Content: Rent Due notices specify exact amounts and payment terms, while Default notices must detail all contract breaches and remedial actions required