Rent Contract Questions

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kiepie

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This evening when I got home, I found a stack of papers under my door pertaining to my rent contract.
Several new clauses is added with absurd kind of rules, which I find really strange. :wtf:

First of all I'm allowed to host a party, but no alcohol is allowed, my last party however was last year without an incident whatsoever. If alcohol is found on the the premises my renting contract will be canceled and I need to evacuate in 24 hours! :confused: :wtf:

1) Can new clauses be added just like that, whenever? :confused:
2) Surely 24 hours to evacuate the premises is absurd, is this legal?

P.S. This is merely just questions I'm asking, just to know where I stand? ;) So no stupid replies - Don't host parties then, ect.
 
nope cannot change contract terms unilaterally, if you signed up for this upfront then ok but terms added after the fact have to be agreed upon by both parties till the termination of the contract.
 
It all depends on your original contract.

On the 24hours part, well even with a contract the law protects you there. Let them try and do that, its going to cost your landlord a whole lot of cash to get that right.
 
Ya i wouldnt worry about that. The law in SA concerning rent etc is really in your favor. You cannot change or update any contract whatsoever without the 2 parties agreeing to the new update and it being signed. You can actually take him to court for updating a contract without you agreeing to it and you have not signed it.
 
I'm afraid it sounds like the terms are not enforceable. Don't sign it.
Tell them you will only look at a contract drawn up by a lawyer, not one just thrown together with odd constraints added.
 
No alcohol allowed?? LOL shame man. Sounds like your landlord is trying to enforce Sharia law on you or he thinks he is in Iran.

Rules can be changed unilaterally if you are renting in a sectional title block and the majority of trustees agree on a new rule. But this sounds rediculous.
 
Sensorei said:
No alcohol allowed?? LOL shame man. Sounds like your landlord is trying to enforce Sharia law on you or he thinks he is in Iran.

Rules can be changed unilaterally if you are renting in a sectional title block and the majority of trustees agree on a new rule. But this sounds rediculous.
Click to expand...

No. You cannot just decide (whether by a group or not) that he must leave in 24hrs because they agreed. That is just outrageous.
 
Ja you cant just change it. The contract has to be signed by the individuel themself and they have to agree with the new terms. As sackboy said, you should tell them that you will only look at a contract drawn up by a lawyer.
 
Lots you left out there, so a lot of speculation.

Check your original contract. If it has a clause in there that states that conditions / clauses may be added from time to time without prior notification or consent, you might want to think twice regarding renting with this person. However, I have to agree with others, the law protects people who rent from contracts like those and impose minimum requirements the landlord has to adhere by. If this contract is drawn up by himself, I'd suggest you ask him who his property lawyer is and confirm with his office regarding the legality of such a change without your John-hancock. Landlord should pee in his pants a little.

http://www.bizcommunity.com/Article/196/307/43910.html
http://www.michalsons.com/the-consumer-protection-act-a-heads-up/1382
http://www.acts.co.za/rental_housing/index.htm
 
Sneaky landlord for sure. But I'd bet you are well protected.
And can a renting contract proclude you from consuming alcohol on your premises?
 
Did they give any reason or warning of this?
Has the relationship been bad up to now?
Why not call and say that you got the papers and ask why they're there etc? You don't need to talk much, just listen to the reasons and say you'll get back to them.

You might find they own several places and had issues with a different tenant and are changing rules for all. If you've been a good tenant that takes the trouble to question it they could just say forget about it. No need to get lawyers involved without proper reason or cause.
 
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