The Rental Housing Tribunal, formed in 2001, is run by the Department of Human Settlements (Western Cape Government) and comprises of five members, Arno Botha (chairperson), Donovan Wenn (technical manager), Vivian Marks and Igshaan Higgins, all appointed for a three-year period by the Provincial Ministry of Human Settlements. Each of these members have expertise in matters pertaining to rental accommodation.
The tribunal's aim is to harmonise the relationship between landlords and tenants within the rental housing sector. This includes resolving disputes that may arise due to unfair practices, inform landlords and tenants about their rights and obligations in terms of the Rental Housing Act and making recommendations to relevant stakeholders.
The tribunal further hopes to promote stability in the rental housing sector in the Western Cape by creating mechanisms to deal with disputes in the rental housing sector and to facilitate, investigate, mediate and conduct hearings to resolve disputes. The tribunal informs landlords and tenants of their rights and obligations should unfair and unlawful practices arise.
The Rental Housing Tribunal also deals with disputes arising from the failure to adequately maintain the rental property, unlawful repossession of property and unlawful evictions. Matters regarding failure to accept notice and to vacate the premises also fall within the jurisdiction of the tribunal, as do unlawful notices to vacate the premises, unilateral changes to lease agreements, failure to provide monthly statements or issue receipts, unlawful seizure of possessions and failure to provide municipal services.
For further information about the Western Cape Government's Rental Housing Tribunal, tenants and landlords call 086 010 6166.
Knysna and Plettenberg Bay Estate agents and members of the public recently attended a seminar presented by the Western Cape Government's Rental Housing Tribunal. Attending were (in front, from left) Christy van Coller (Century 21), Sanet Cloet (Seeff), Vanessa Hau-Yoon (Re/Max), Peter Pelekis and Tish Gerick. Behind them are four of the five Rental Housing Tribunal members, Donovan Wenn (technical manager), Vivian Marks, Arno Botha (chairperson) and Igshaan Higgins.
