Be cautious with upfront rent
Upfront rental payments beyond the usual deposit and one month in advance should be considered very carefully. No matter how attractive it may be to accept more than the standard one month’s rent in advance, this can create complications for landlords, says Marsha Cooper, owner of the Harcourts Oyster franchise group in St Francis Bay and surrounding areas.
Why should landlords be cautious?
While large upfront payments might seem convenient, they can introduce complications and sometimes signal that a tenant is trying to avoid regular payments, which could be a red flag. There is also the risk of money laundering, which requires landlords to remain vigilant.
Red flags for Tenants offering lump sum payments
Offers to pay several months' rent upfront may signal that the tenant lacks a steady income, is unable to prove their creditworthiness, or is attempting to conceal other financial or legal issues. A thorough screening process is crucial to confirm the tenant’s reliability.
Legal considerations for upfront payments
According to South African law, security deposits and future rental payments must be held in an interest-bearing account. Any accrued interest belongs to the tenant at the end of the lease term. Landlords should use professional property practitioners to manage these funds through trusted platforms like PayProp.
Managing tenant default or lease termination
If a tenant defaults on utilities or cancels the lease early for valid reasons such as job loss or health issues, the landlord must refund the unused portion of the advance payment after deducting applicable fees. Clear lease agreements are vital to outline these conditions.
Utility responsibilities
The lease agreement should specify that utility payments are separate from rent and remain the tenant’s responsibility. For more details, see our article on tenant utilities usage.
Setting boundaries
Paying rent upfront does not grant tenants additional rights or privileges. Landlords should clearly communicate their obligations and tenant expectations in the lease agreement.
For further legal advice, visit the Rental Housing Act of 1999.
