Frequently Asked Questions

You must give written notice of your intention to extend no later than 60 days before the lease termination date (Clause 4.2).

There is no guarantee of extension — it is subject to property availability and full compliance with all lease terms. If terms are not agreed 45 days before termination, the lease will lapse (Clause 4.4).

A new Lease Agreement must be signed and the Tenant will be liable for the associated costs (Clause 4.5).

Yes, under the Consumer Protection Act you may cancel by providing 20 business days' written notice (Clause 20.9). However, early cancellation is subject to penalties including:

• Rental payments until a replacement tenant is found (max 2 months)
• Letting commission at 10% of gross monthly rental for remaining months
• Credit verification costs (R 195.00 per check)
• Legal costs on attorney-client scale
• Cancellation penalty of up to R 950.00

Use the Early Termination Calculator →

The Landlord or KRE may deduct (Clause 5.2.1):

• Arrear rental and surcharges for late payment
• Outstanding utility and telephone accounts
• Administration costs and commissions
• Cost of repairing damage to the premises
• Replacing lost keys, remotes, tags and damaged locks
• Any latent faults determined to be the Tenant's fault within 14 days of departure

The deposit balance is refunded within 7 days of the termination date if there are no amounts owing (Clause 5.2.2).

If repairs or outstanding amounts need to be resolved, the refund period extends to 21 days. Further delays may occur due to outstanding utility bills received in arrears, access limitations, or unavailability of parts or contractors.

Late payments attract interest at 2% per month (maximum 24% per year), calculated from the day after the due date until payment is made in full (Clause 6.7.2).

You may also be charged R 350.00 per Letter of Demand (Clause 6.7.1) and may be listed with TPN Credit Bureau as a bad payer (Clause 6.7.4).

All rental and deposit payments are made into the Kingsmark Real Estate trust account:

• Bank: FNB
• Branch: Olympus Plaza 983
• Branch Code: 258 155
• Account Holder: Kingsmark Real Estate (Pty) Ltd
• Account Number: 62501307822
• Reference: Your File Number (shown in the top right corner of each page of the Lease)

Note: Please use only the File Number for your payment.

The Tenant is responsible for (Clause 7.1):

• Electricity
• Water
• Sanitation and waste
• Gas
• All utility and service charges levied by the Body Corporate or Local Authority

Body Corporate levies and local authority rates are included in the rental and paid by the Landlord (Clause 7.4).

KRE inspects the premises and documents any existing defects or damage on an Inspection Sheet before you take occupation (Clause 9.1). An electronic copy is provided within 3 working days.

You must submit any changes or amendments in writing within 7 days, otherwise the Inspection Sheet is deemed correct (Clause 9.2).

Book your exit inspection at least 7 days in advance of the lease expiry or departure date and obtain written confirmation (Clause 9.4).

The premises must be completely vacant, clean, free of refuse and personal effects, and all tenant repairs completed. The latest the inspection can occur is 12h00 (midday) on the expiry date.

If you miss your appointment, an additional trip fee of R 250.00 applies.

You must maintain at your own cost (Clause 10.1.1):

• Interior and exterior of the premises (where required)
• Garden, pool and equipment
• Gates, electrical systems, gas installations
• Stoves, appliances, light bulbs, switches and plugs
• Plumbing (except geysers)

You must also replace all light bulbs, starters, ballasts, locks, switches, plugs, taps, washers, batteries and remotes (Clause 10.1.3).

No structural alterations, adhesive holders, prestick, or nails without written consent (Clause 10.2.3). You may not install without written consent (Clause 10.2.7):

• Security gates, burglar bars, or alarm systems
• Satellite dishes or TV antennas
• Air-conditioning, ceiling fans, or heaters

If consent is given, installations become permanent fixtures and may not be removed.

Yes. You must allow prospective tenants and purchasers to view the property on 24 hours' notice, limited to 3 times per week (Clause 16.2).

During the last 2 months or after giving notice, you must provide unrestricted access between 08h00 and 19h00 daily. If you are unavailable, you must arrange alternative access or provide a key (Clause 16.3).

You may also be required to allow show houses on 2 Sundays per month (12h00–17h00) if requested in writing (Clause 16.4).

Always use your File Number as reference in all correspondence. Email info@kingsmark.co.za.

You must update KRE of any address or contact changes within 24 hours, or face a tracing fee of R 120.00 and possible tracing agent costs (Clause 19.3).

The premises (including garages and staff quarters) must be handed over in a clean and tidy condition, free of refuse (Clause 10.4). If not cleaned satisfactorily:

• Cleaning costs deducted from deposit
• Refuse removal at invoiced cost per load plus R 150.00 admin charge

Additional trips required due to incomplete handover are charged at R 250.00 each (Clause 10.5).

The Landlord may cancel the lease on 5 calendar days' written notice and commence eviction proceedings (Clause 20.2). For non-payment of rental, no written notice is required — the Landlord may cancel immediately.

If you breach and remedy 3 times in a consecutive 3-month period, the Landlord may terminate on 20 business days' notice regardless of whether each breach was remedied (Clause 20.3).

You may apply to court for damages or specific performance (Clause 20.13). You may also cancel the lease without penalty if the Landlord does not remedy a Material Breach within 20 business days of written notification (Clause 20.14).

When keys and remotes are lost, broken or damaged, it is the Tenant's responsibility to replace them at their own expense (Clause 10.2.13). If necessary, you must hire a locksmith to open doors or reprogram remotes. Only one set of keys is provided when the Lease commences — make a second set at your own expense.

Additional sets purchased with permission become the Landlord's property on termination. You must advise KRE in writing within 24 hours of any lock or remote changes.

Step 1: Check the battery. When pressing the button, you should see a light — if there's no light, it's likely the battery. Take your remote to a hardware or security store to replace the battery.

Step 2: If you've dropped the remote or it got wet, the circuit board may be damaged and it will need to be replaced and reprogrammed at your expense.

Note: Battery replacement costs are for the Tenant's account.

Step 1 — Try the basics first: Check that you are using the correct key and that it is not bent or worn. Try the key gently from both sides of the door to confirm whether the issue is the lock or the key itself.

Step 2 — Lubricate, don't force: If the key turns stiffly, apply a small amount of graphite or silicone-based lubricant into the keyhole. Do not use oil or WD-40 as a long-term fix, and never force the key — a snapped key inside the lock will be for your account.

Step 3 — If you are locked out: Kingsmark does not keep keys (see above). You will need to arrange a locksmith at your own expense to gain entry.

Step 4 — Damaged or faulty lock: In terms of Clause 10.1.3, the Tenant is responsible for the replacement cost of a lock.

Step 5 — Notify KRE in writing: If any lock is changed, replaced or re-keyed, you must advise Kingsmark Rental Enterprises in writing within 24 hours and provide a new set of keys (Clause 10.2.13).

First check if your neighbours' power is also off, or check your local WhatsApp group for area faults before reporting.

If the fault is only in your property, check the distribution board — make sure all switches (breakers) are in the up position.

Pull all switches down. Starting from the right, pull each switch up one at a time.

If a switch trips the power, stop and note which circuit is faulty (e.g., plug, lighting, geyser).

If a plug circuit trips, check if any of your appliances is causing the problem. If a wall plug is faulty, replacement is at your own expense.

If nothing trips, it may be an external fault — report it to your electricity supplier.

Burst geyser or pipe: Turn off the main water valve immediately.

Leaking tap or toilet: Turn off the valve for that specific item to stop water wastage.

The Landlord will not compensate you for high water bills. Report the problem via email to info@kingsmark.co.za — a plumber will be sent on the next business day.

1. Make sure the power is on.

2. Check the geyser breaker on the distribution board is in the up position.

3. If you switch off your geyser when not home, switch it on and wait at least one hour before reporting. If the geyser breaker is faulty, this is for the Tenant's account.

1. Gas bottle: If it feels very light or easy to lift, it may be empty. Suppliers like Stargas can assist.

2. Igniter: Won't work without power (unless battery operated). Gas stoves can usually be lit with a lighter or matches — open the gas and hold the flame near the burner. Keep your face away.

3. Batteries: Usually located at the bottom of the device. No clicking noise when turning the knob? Replace the batteries.

4. Valves: Make sure all shut-off valves and the gas bottle valve are open. After replacing a bottle, allow a minute or two for gas to flow through the pipes.

When a gas bottle is connected for the first time, it takes a little while for gas to filter through the pipes.

Gas stove: Turn the dial and hold it in for up to a minute to allow the gas to reach the burner and ignite.

Gas geyser: Open a hot water tap and let it run for a while — it may take some time before the water actually gets hot.

1. Make sure the power is on (see Electricity troubleshooting above).

2. If it usually works during outages, check the backup battery (replacement is for Tenant's account).

3. Check the remote batteries — replace if no light when pressing.

4. If the motor runs but the door won't open, check the emergency release isn't disconnected.

Check remote batteries first (replacement cost is yours). Verify that there is power — a call-out fee is for your account if there was just a power outage.

If it still won't work, put the gate on manual and email info@kingsmark.co.za — we'll respond on the next business day.

Mould and dampness caused by lifestyle factors — such as poor ventilation, drying clothes indoors, not using extractor fans, or blocking air vents — are the Tenant's responsibility (Clause 10.1.6). You must notify the Landlord immediately if mould or mildew develops.

However, if the mould or dampness is caused by a structural defect (e.g. a leaking roof, rising damp, burst pipes or faulty waterproofing), the Landlord may be responsible. In terms of Annexure A, the Landlord is required to disclose any known defects including flooding, dampness, wet walls and unsafe concentrations of mould.

1. Open windows regularly to allow air circulation, especially in bathrooms and kitchens.

2. Use extractor fans when cooking or showering.

3. Do not dry laundry indoors — use a washing line or tumble dryer.

4. Do not block air vents or ventilation bricks.

5. Wipe down surfaces where condensation forms (e.g. window sills).

6. You can use products like Mould Buster as part of your cleaning routine to ensure you remain mould free.

Email info@kingsmark.co.za with your File Number as reference. Include photographs of the affected areas.

A contractor may be appointed to investigate the cause. If the issue is structural, repairs will be for the Landlord's account. If the issue is caused by lifestyle or lack of ventilation, remediation costs — including treatment, repair and repainting — will be for the Tenant's account.

For severe infestations (e.g. rodents, termites or structural damage caused by pests), email info@kingsmark.co.za with photos and a description of the problem.

A pest control contractor may be appointed to investigate. Costs will be determined based on the cause and responsibility.

Ensure broken glass is cleaned up safely to avoid injury. If the window poses a security risk, arrange temporary boarding or covering.

Arrange for a glazier to replace the glass at your own expense. Email info@kingsmark.co.za with your File Number if you need assistance locating a contractor.

Email info@kingsmark.co.za and use your File Number as a reference. Contractors will be appointed to investigate and quote. You'll be advised if the repairs are approved. We respond on the next business day — turnaround depends on the type of repair.

You must give written notice within 7 days of becoming aware of any issue that is the Landlord's responsibility. Failure to do so means you are deemed responsible (Clause 26.2).

Treat something as an emergency only if it threatens safety, security or causes ongoing damage and report it to a qualified person and not just to your Estate Agent, for example:

• A burst geyser or pipe flooding the property (TURN OFF THE MAIN WATER SUPPLY TO STOP FURTHER DAMAGE AND REPORT THE PROBLEM TO YOUR AGENT THE NEXT DAY — CALL A PLUMBER TO "MAKE IT SAFE" IF YOU CAN'T USE THE SHUT OFF VALVE)
• A gas leak or smell of gas you cannot stop (DISCONNECT THE GAS BOTTLE SUPPLYING YOUR UNIT AND OPEN ALL WINDOWS AND DOORS TO VENTILATE THE UNIT)
• A fire, or sparking / smoking electrical wiring (EXIT THE PREMISES AND CALL THE FIRE DEPARTMENT)
• A break-in, broken external door or smashed ground-floor window (CALL THE SECURITY COMPANY AND REPORT THE INCIDENT TO THE POLICE)
• Sewage backing up into the property (CALL A PLUMBER FOR ASSISTANCE — PLEASE REMEMBER THAT BLOCKAGES ARE USUALLY FOR THE TENANT'S ACCOUNT)

Everything else (a dripping tap, one tripped plug circuit, a stiff lock, a flat remote battery) can wait for the next business day — email info@kingsmark.co.za with your File Number when reporting all items.

1. Check the City Power / Eskom / municipal app, your area's load-shedding schedule and your neighbourhood WhatsApp group — most outages are area-wide.

2. Check if the streetlights and neighbours' houses are also dark.

3. If only your property is off, follow the Electricity — Troubleshooting section above (reset the distribution board one breaker at a time).

4. Unplug sensitive electronics (TVs, fridges, computers) until power is stable to avoid surge damage when it returns.

1. Turn off the main water valve immediately (usually at the meter at the boundary, or near the geyser).

2. Switch off the geyser breaker on the distribution board so the element doesn't burn out dry.

3. Move furniture, electronics and personal items away from the water and lift curtains off the floor.

4. Take photos and videos for the record.

5. Email info@kingsmark.co.za with your File Number — a plumber will be arranged on the next business day.

1. Close the valve on the gas bottle immediately.

2. Open all doors and windows to ventilate.

3. Do not switch lights on or off, light a flame, or use any electrical appliance — a spark can ignite the gas.

4. Leave the property if the smell is strong and call your gas supplier (e.g. Stargas) or the fire department.

5. Once safe, email info@kingsmark.co.za with your File Number and a description.

Kingsmark does not keep keys and the office is closed after hours. You will need to arrange a locksmith at your own expense (Clause 10.1.3).

Tips other tenants have shared:

• Save a 24-hour locksmith's number on your phone before you need it.
• Ask the locksmith to quote the call-out fee upfront — after-hours rates are higher.
• Insist they pick the lock rather than drill it where possible — a drilled lock must be replaced at your cost.
• Keep a spare set of keys with a trusted family member or neighbour.

Notify Kingsmark in writing within 24 hours if any lock is changed or re-keyed (Clause 10.2.13).

1. If anyone is still on the property, get to safety first and call 10111 or your security company.

2. Open a case at the nearest police station and get the SAP case number and station name — you will need it.

3. Secure the property as best you can (board up broken glass, close gates) to prevent further damage or entry.

4. Take photos of all damage.

5. Email info@kingsmark.co.za within 24 hours with your File Number, the SAP case number, the police station name and photos (Clause 10.1.15).

Remember: your personal belongings are not covered by the Landlord's insurance — keep your own household contents cover up to date (Clause 10.1.16).

1. Close the small isolation valve behind the toilet (turn clockwise) to stop water filling the cistern.

2. Do not keep flushing — it will overflow further.

3. Try a plunger before calling anyone out. A bucket of warm (not boiling) water poured from waist height often clears soft blockages.

4. Mop up and ventilate the area to limit damage and smell.

5. Blocked drains are usually for the Tenant's account (see Blocked Drains section). If you genuinely believe it is not your fault, get a written plumber's report with photos before claiming.

1. Check the plug and the wall socket — try a different appliance in the same socket to confirm whether the problem is the plug or the fridge.

2. Check the distribution board for a tripped breaker.

3. Keep the doors closed as much as possible — a full freezer can hold its temperature for up to 24–48 hours.

4. Move perishable food into a cooler box with ice if needed.

5. If the appliance belongs to the property, report on the next business day. The Landlord is not liable for spoiled food (Clause 10.1.16) — keep this in mind for your insurance.

• Walk around the property and find the main water valve, the geyser isolator and the distribution board in daylight — not in the dark while flooding.
• Save these numbers in your phone: armed response, local police station, a 24-hour plumber, locksmith and electrician, and your gas supplier.
• Keep a torch, candles, matches, basic toolkit and a plunger in an easy-to-find place.
• Test smoke alarms and replace remote / alarm batteries proactively — these almost always die at the worst time.
• Take meter-reading photos monthly so you can spot a hidden leak (sudden water spike) early.
• Make sure your household contents insurance is active — the Landlord's policy does not cover your belongings.