Rental Housing Act, 1999 (Act No. 50 of 1999)

WHEREAS in terms of section 26 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996 everyone has the right to have access to adequate housing;

AND WHEREAS the state must take reasonable legislative and other measures, within its available resources, to achieve the progressive realisation of this right;

AND WHEREAS no one may be evicted from their home, or have their home demolished, without an order of court made after considering all the relevant circumstances.

AND WHEREAS no legislation may permit arbitrary evictions;

AND WHEREAS rental housing is a key component of the housing sector;

AND WHEREAS there is a need to promote the provision of rental housing;

AND WHEREAS there is a need to balance the rights of tenants and landowners and to create mechanisms to protect both tenants and landowners against unfair practices and exploitation;

AND WHEREAS there is a need to introduce mechanisms through which conflicts between tenants and landowners can be resolved speedily at minimum cost to the parties;

BE IT THEREFORE ENACTED by the Parliament of the Republic of South Africa, as follows:—