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Answers to your questions

Have a question you would like answered? Email us and we may answer it. The questions here are based on ones from our readers, with identifying information removed.

Please note: GroundUp is just a news agency. We are not lawyers or financial advisors, and we have nothing to do with SASSA, Home Affairs, or any other government bodies. We do our best to make the answers accurate using publicly available information, but we cannot accept any legal liability if there are errors. If you notice any discrepancies, please email info@groundup.org.za.

Topic: Housing  |  Show questions and answers for all topics

How can I ensure that I don't get scammed when looking for a place to rent?

Always view the property, verify ownership and never pay before signing a lease.

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I took out a bond of R140,000 in 2000. Now in 2025, my balance is still more than R100,000. What can I do about this?

Speak to one of the bankโ€™s financial advisors about your bond repayments.

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How can I evict tenants in my late mother's RDP house who refuse to leave?

Since you have a letter of authority, you can get a court order from the magistrate to start the eviction process.

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My late father registered our family home in my stepmother's name. What rights to the house do me and my siblings have?

If the title deed is in your stepmother's name, the house belongs to her.

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Can I object to my landlord changing my 12-month lease to a month-to-month lease?

Your landlord canโ€™t evict you or change your lease without your agreement. You can challenge this through the housing tribunal.

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How can my siblings and I handle disagreements about the house we inherited from our parents?

Use a mediator or a Master of the High Court to help resolve the disagreements.

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Can the municipality evaluate my late father's RDP house?

The municipality can perform an evaluation on your father's RDP house.

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A person died months after getting an RDP house. Their neighbour, who also received an RDP house, bought it. Can I lodge a complaint?

You can report an illegal sale of an RDP house to the SAPS and your local Housing Department.

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How can I check if my mother's RDP house was sold illegally?

You will need to visit municipal housing office where your mother applied to ask them whether you would be able to claim back her RDP.

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My late father used another child's birth certificate to apply for an RDP house. The child was listed as the beneficiary and has passed. What can I do to correct this?

Go to your housing municipality and confirm that the birth certificate used was fraudulent and then file a formal complaint.

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