Tenant Resource

How to Sign Your Lease Agreement

A step-by-step guide to reviewing and electronically signing your residential lease.

Step 1 — Create Your Account

Already have an account? Skip to Step 2 — Sign Your Lease.
A
Get your Reference Code from your Agent

Before you can register, your property manager must create your tenant profile and supply you with a Reference Code. It is typically included in your welcome email. Keep it handy — you will need it during registration.

B
Register at the Sign-Up page

Go to Register (or follow the link in your welcome email). Fill in:

  • Email address — use the email your agent has on file for you.
  • Password — minimum 6 characters.
  • Confirm Password — must match exactly.
  • Account Type — select Tenant.
  • Reference Code — enter the code your agent provided.

Tick the Terms of Service checkbox and click Create Account.

You only register once. Next time, go straight to Login and sign in with your email and password.

Step 2 — Before You Sign

Your lease agreement is a legally binding contract. Take time to read it in full before adding your signature. Pay close attention to:

  • Premises description — confirm the address and unit number are correct.
  • Commencement & termination dates — make sure the lease period matches what was agreed.
  • Monthly rental amount — verify the figure and the due date (1st of each month).
  • Deposit — confirm the amount. The deposit must be paid before the lease becomes valid.
  • Escalation rate — note the annual rental increase percentage.
  • Pets & smoking policy — these are clearly stated; ensure they match your situation.
  • Special conditions — any additional agreements are listed on the last page.
  • Your contact details — email and phone number must be current for legal notices.
If anything is unclear or incorrect, contact your agent before signing. Once both parties have signed, the lease can only be changed through a written addendum.

Step 3 — Sign Your Lease

1
Log in to your Tenant Dashboard

Go to Login and sign in with the email address and password you registered with. You will be taken directly to your Tenant Dashboard.

2
Navigate to "My Lease"

Click My Lease in the navigation menu. Your lease agreement details will load automatically.

3
Download & Review the Lease PDF

Download the full lease PDF and read it carefully. Use the checklist in Step 2 above to verify every detail before proceeding.

4
Click "Sign Lease"

Once satisfied, go back to the app and click the Sign Lease button on your dashboard. A signing window will open.

5
Draw Your Signature

Using your mouse, touchpad, or finger (on mobile), draw your signature in the white box. If you are not happy with it, click Clear and try again.

[ Signature canvas area — draw your signature here ]
6
Type Your Full Name

Enter your full legal name in the Full Name (print) field exactly as it appears on your ID document. This confirms your identity alongside the drawn signature.

7
Click "Sign Lease" to Confirm

Press the green Sign Lease button. You will receive a confirmation once the signature is saved.

After You Sign

  • Your agent or landlord will also add their signature. The lease is only fully executed once both parties have signed.
  • You will be notified by email once the landlord has countersigned.
  • The fully signed lease PDF (with both signatures and timestamps) can be downloaded from My Lease at any time.
  • Save a copy of the signed lease for your own records.
  • Pay your deposit before or on the commencement date — the lease is not valid without it.

Your Key Obligations as a Tenant

Rent due by the 1st
Rental must clear the landlord's or agent's account on the 1st of each month. Late payments attract interest.
Keep premises clean
Maintain the property in good condition. Report damage within 7 days of discovery.
Minor repairs are your responsibility
Replace globes, tap washers, locks, and window panes at your own cost.
Utilities & meter readings
Provide monthly meter-reading photos to your agent. Pay utility bills on time.
Insure your contents
The landlord is not responsible for damage to your personal property. Arrange your own contents insurance.
Give 1 month's notice to terminate
Written notice is required. Early cancellation before the fixed term ends may attract a penalty.
Return keys on time
Keys must be returned by the date and time stated in the lease (item 1.24).
No subletting without permission
You may not sublet or allow others to occupy the premises without prior written consent from the landlord.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. South Africa's Electronic Communications and Transactions Act (ECTA 25 of 2002) recognises electronic signatures as legally binding. The system records your drawn signature, full name, IP address, and a timestamp to create a tamper-evident audit trail.

Contact your agent immediately. Any change to a signed lease requires a written addendum signed by both parties. The original lease remains in force until an addendum is executed.

The lease is fully executed once both the tenant and the landlord (or agent on their behalf) have signed. You will receive an email notification when the landlord countersigns. You can then download the completed document from your dashboard.

Yes. Once the lease terminates, the landlord has 20 Business Days after restoration of the premises to refund any balance of the deposit (after deductions for damage or outstanding amounts).

Give your landlord at least 20 Business Days' written notice. An early cancellation penalty of up to one month's rental may apply. If the landlord finds a replacement tenant quickly, you may only be liable for reasonable advertising and commission costs.

Unless you or the landlord give written notice otherwise, the lease automatically continues on a month-to-month basis. Either party can then terminate with one calendar month's written notice. To renew on a new fixed term, a signed addendum or new lease is required at least 10 Business Days before the existing term ends.

First contact your managing agent. If the issue cannot be resolved, you may approach the Rental Housing Tribunal established under the Rental Housing Act 50 of 1999. The Tribunal provides a free, accessible process for resolving landlord-tenant disputes.
Key Terms to Know
Deposit

Upfront security payment held until lease end. Must be paid before the lease is valid.

Commencement Date

The date your lease starts and you may take occupation.

Termination Date

The last day of your fixed lease term.

Escalation Rate

The annual percentage by which your rent increases each year on the anniversary of the commencement date.

Fair Wear & Tear

Normal deterioration from careful everyday use — you are not liable for this. Damage through negligence is your responsibility.

Domicilium

Your chosen address for receiving legal notices. Keep it up to date.

Incoming Inspection

Joint walk-through before you move in. All existing damage is recorded in writing and does not come out of your deposit.

Outgoing Inspection

Joint walk-through within 3 days before you move out. Determines what (if any) deductions are made from your deposit.

CPA

Consumer Protection Act 68 of 2008 — protects tenants during the fixed-term period, including a 20-business-day cure period for breach notices.

Rental Housing Tribunal

Free government body that resolves landlord-tenant disputes under the Rental Housing Act.

Lease Signing Guide — Residential Tenants — South Africa Governed by the Rental Housing Act 50 of 1999 & ECTA 25 of 2002