Plan for about three times the monthly rent before you get the keys. The deposit, often one or two months' rent, is the biggest part, followed by the first month's rent in advance. Lease fees, moving costs and getting utilities running add the rest.
The move-in cost checklist
- Deposit. Whatever the lease says, often one or two months' rent. You get it back at the end, with interest, less anything you owe.
- First month's rent. Usually due before or on the day you move in.
- Pro-rata rent. Moving in on the 20th? Some landlords charge rent for the rest of that month on top of the first full month.
- Lease or admin fee. Some agents charge to draw up the lease. Ask what it covers and whether it is negotiable before you apply.
- Application or credit check fee. Some agents charge per application, so applying for five places can add up.
- Moving. A bakkie and a friend, or a removal company. Get two or three quotes, and ask whether packing material and insurance are included.
- Utilities. Prepaid electricity needs a first top-up. If the municipal account moves into your name, some municipalities ask for a consumer deposit.
- Internet. Installation or activation fees, and possibly a router.
- Settling in. Curtains or blinds, light bulbs, cleaning supplies and a spare set of keys.
A worked example
A one-bedroom flat at R9,500 a month, with a two-month deposit. The lease fee and moving figures are examples only. Get your own quotes.
| Cost | With a cash deposit | With De-Posit |
|---|---|---|
| Deposit (two months) | R19,000 | R0 |
| First month's rent | R9,500 | R9,500 |
| Lease fee (example) | R1,500 | R1,500 |
| Moving (example) | R3,500 | R3,500 |
| Due before you move in | R33,500 | R14,500 |
| Monthly fee on top of rent | None | R190 to R380 |
The cash deposit comes back at the end of the lease and the De-Posit fee does not, so the upfront saving has a price. Our cost comparison works out when that price is worth paying.
Ways to lower the upfront cost
- Ask to start the lease on the 1st so you avoid pro-rata rent.
- Ask whether the lease fee can be waived or reduced, especially for a longer lease.
- Only pay application fees for places you can afford to move into this month, deposit included.
- Hand your current place back in good condition, with a proper inspection, so your old deposit comes back quickly and in full. The inspection checklist helps.
- Ask the landlord or agent whether they accept a deposit alternative. With De-Posit, the deposit line drops to R0 and you pay a monthly fee of 1% to 2% of the deposit amount instead.
This article is general information about renting in South Africa, not legal advice. For a specific dispute, contact your provincial Rental Housing Tribunal or an attorney.