Lease Agreements and the National Credit Act
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Questions and Answers

What consequence can occur due to non-compliance with the National Credit Act?

  • Loss of rental rights
  • Invalidation of the lease
  • Immediate eviction
  • Fines or imprisonment (correct)

Long leases do not require written documentation to be binding on creditors.

False (B)

What is required before the City of Johannesburg can enter into a lease agreement?

  • Public consultation
  • Advertisement (correct)
  • Financial audit
  • Approval from the mayor

What must be included in a written lease agreement?

<p>Names and addresses of the lessee and lessor, description of the dwelling, rental amount, payment frequency, deposit, lease period, obligations of both parties, and additional charges.</p> Signup and view all the answers

The court determined that the absence of advertisement did not affect the validity of the lease agreement.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Failure to reduce a lease agreement to writing is an offense punishable by a fine and/or imprisonment of up to _____ years.

<p>two</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following terms to their definitions:

<p>Lessor = One who leases property to another Lessee = One who leases property from another Rental Housing Act = Legislation governing rental agreements Consumer Protection Act = Law protecting consumer rights in transactions</p> Signup and view all the answers

What did the defense argue regarding the nature of the agreement?

<p>That the agreement was not actually a lease.</p> Signup and view all the answers

The essential elements of a lease agreement are known as the ______ of a lease.

<p>essentials</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of Section 5(2) of the Rental Housing Act?

<p>To allow the lessee to ask for a written lease (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A written agreement is always necessary for the validity of a lease.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which Acts do not apply if the content of rights and obligations of a lease is determined by the contract itself?

<p>Rental Housing Act and Consumer Protection Act (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What three aspects must a lease comply with to be valid?

<p>The leased property, temporary use, and the rent.</p> Signup and view all the answers

A lease is only valid if it complies with both statutory requirements and the intention of the parties.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In a lease agreement, the ______ and lessee have rights and obligations outlined in the contract.

<p>lessor</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following terms with their descriptions:

<p>Lessor = The party that leases the property to another Lessee = The party that rents the property from another Lease = A contract outlining the terms for renting property Statutory Requirement = Legal obligation to follow specific procedures before entering a lease</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is required for termination of periodic leases not covered by the CPA?

<p>Reasonable notice (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A lessee can cancel a lease during the fixed term under the CPA without giving any notice.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What must be given by both parties during termination of a lease with an indefinite term?

<p>Reasonable notice</p> Signup and view all the answers

Under the CPA, a lessor can rescind a fixed-term lease if the lessee fails to comply with the lease terms, providing _____ business days' notice.

<p>20</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the terms with their descriptions:

<p>Periodic lease = Requires reasonable notice for termination Indefinite lease = Termination occurs upon death or choice Fixed-term lease = Can be rescinded with notice if terms are violated CPA = Allows cancellation with notice during fixed term</p> Signup and view all the answers

What can a lessee do under the CPA if the lessor breaches the lease?

<p>Rescind the lease with 20 business days' notice (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Termination on notice alone in public rental housing is considered acceptable.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the lessee remain liable for after cancellation of a lease under the CPA?

<p>Amounts owing and a reasonable cancellation penalty</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key requirement for an agent to act on behalf of a principal?

<p>The agent must have authority. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

An agent is a party to the legal relationship between the principal and the third party.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What term is used to describe the act performed by an agent on behalf of the principal?

<p>act of agency</p> Signup and view all the answers

For a contract to bind the principal through an agent, all contractual requirements including consensus, capacity, legality, and __________ must be met.

<p>possibility of performance</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following elements of agency with their descriptions:

<p>Authority = Power given to the agent to bind the principal Agent = Conduit between the principal and third party Principal = Person or entity on whose behalf the agent acts Third Party = Entity that enters into a legal relationship with the principal through the agent</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following can give rise to an agent's authority?

<p>Ratification, estoppel, or law. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

An agent can act without any authority from the principal.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What legal consequence occurs when an agent acts within their authority?

<p>The legal consequences are attributed to the principal.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What defines the limits of what an agent can do?

<p>Express Authority (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Tacit authority is granted only through formal written agreements.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What test can be applied to determine tacit authority?

<p>Objective bystander test</p> Signup and view all the answers

Ostensible authority creates an impression of the agent's authority to ________ parties.

<p>third</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the type of authority with its description:

<p>Express Authority = Limits are explicitly defined Tacit Authority = Granted implicitly through consensus or intentions Ostensible Authority = Impression of authority conveyed to third parties Professional Authority = Customary actions within a profession</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of authority allows professional agents to act unless restricted?

<p>Professional Authority (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Authority must always be granted contractually and cannot be conveyed orally.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of authority arises when a principal's actions create an impression of the agent's authority?

<p>Ostensible Authority</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the broadened concept of ostensible authority allow a third party to do?

<p>Assert that an agent had authority based on impressions (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

An agent is automatically entitled to compensation for their work.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is typically due to the agent upon completion of a task?

<p>Compensation</p> Signup and view all the answers

The duties of one party in the principal-agent relationship correspond to the ________ of the other party.

<p>rights</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following terms with their definitions:

<p>Principal = The party that appoints an agent Agent = The party authorized to act on behalf of another Ostensible Authority = Authority based on appearances created by the principal Compensation = Payment due to the agent for their services</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a form of compensation mentioned?

<p>Hourly wage (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A principal must compensate the agent even if there is no benefit received from the agent's work.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What must the agent prove in order to receive compensation?

<p>The existence of an agreement for compensation</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Statutory Requirement for Lease

A law requiring prior advertisement before a lease agreement can be made with a lessee.

Lease Agreement Essentials

Minimum requirements for an agreement to be considered a valid lease.

Advertising Requirement

The necessity for public notice before entering a lease.

Void Lease

A lease agreement that is invalid because of noncompliance with the law.

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Party's Intention

The true purpose of the agreement's creators.

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Reciprocal Agreement (Lease)

Both sides (landlord and tenant) have duties and rights set in the contract.

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Applicable Acts (Lease)

Laws that could influence rental agreement contents (Rental Housing or consumer acts).

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Contractual Determination

Clause of a contract will determine the rights and duties if legal acts don't apply.

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Non-compliance consequences

Violating the National Credit Act results in fines or imprisonment, but doesn't automatically nullify the lease.

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Long lease requirements

Long leases need to be in writing to be enforceable against the lessor's creditors or successors, unless they were aware of the lease.

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Lease writing for validity

Determining if a lease needs to be in writing to be valid, or just to prove existence.

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Rental Housing Act lessee right

Lessees can ask lessors to formalize leases in writing; this is now mandatory by 2014 amendment.

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Lease document essentials

Contracts must include lessee and lessor details, property description, rent amounts and increases, payment schedule, deposit, lease period, both parties' obligations, and additional charges.

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Oral lease implications

Failing to reduce a lease agreement to writing is an offense with possible fine/imprisonment.

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Essential lease aspects (3)

A valid lease agreement needs leased property, temporary use, and rent.

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Leased property clarity

Lease agreements need specific details about the property, which must be identified. It covers both immovable and movable items.

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Notice Period for Periodic Leases

Termination of leases not covered by the CPA requires reasonable notice, determined by circumstances like payment frequency. Lessee needs time for alternatives, and lessor for a new tenant.

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Public Rental Housing Notice

In public housing, termination based only on notice is seen as unfair without justification.

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Indefinite Term Lease Termination

In indefinite term leases, either party can terminate with reasonable notice or upon death, exercising their option.

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CPA Lease Cancellation

Under the CPA, lessees can cancel fixed-term leases after agreed period with 20 business days' notice. Cancellation is without penalty but they still must pay owed amounts and any cancellation penalty.

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Lease Rescission for Breach (Lessee)

Lessees can cancel or rescind a lease at any time during the term with 20 business days' notice, even due to lessor's breach.

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Lease Rescission for Breach (Lessor)

Lessors can rescind fixed-term leases within 20 business days' notice if the lessee violates lease terms. This applies even if the lease contract states otherwise.

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Fixed-Term Lease Notice

The 20 business-day notice for lease rescission or cancellation applies only to fixed-term leases, not month-to-month.

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Lease Cancellation Penalty

Lessees are liable for outstanding amounts and a reasonable cancellation penalty, as detailed in regulations, even if the lease is canceled due to a breach by the lessor.

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Agency

A tripartite relationship (principal, agent, third party) where the agent acts on behalf of the principal, with authority, to bind the principal in a legal relationship with a third party.

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Principal

The party who delegates authority to the agent to act on their behalf.

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Agent

The party who acts on behalf of the principal and has authority to create legal relations between the principal and the third party.

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Authority

The power or consent an agent holds to act legally on behalf of a principal. It can be contractual, from law or from ratification/estoppel.

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Act of Agency

The legal action the agent performs on behalf of the principal, like a contract or deal.

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Scope of Authority

The limits of an agent's power, actions the agent is authorized to perform/conclude.

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Contractual Requirements

The essentials (agreement, capacity, legality, possibility, formalities) needed for a principal to be bound by a contract performed by an agent within the scope of authority.

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Legal consequences of agent's acts

The legal effects of actions performed by an agent. These consequences are applied to the principal, when acting within the assigned authority.

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Express Authority

The specifically stated limits of an agent's power, set by the principal.

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Tacit Authority

An agent's implied power, based on the principal's unspoken intentions or actions.

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Objective Bystander Test

A way to judge tacit authority: Would a reasonable person believe the agent has the power?

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General Authority

Broad powers given to an agent for a specific role, encompassing related tasks needed.

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Special Authority

Specific authority for a particular task allowing only necessary actions for its completion.

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Professional Authority

Implicit power of a professional to perform actions standard for their profession, unless restricted.

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Ostensible Authority

Authority created by the principal's actions/words, giving a false impression of the agent's power, even without actual authority.

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Granting Authority Formalities

Authority can be granted through a contract, with an oral agreement often sufficient.

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Ostensible Authority

A third party can believe an agent has authority to act on behalf of a principal, even if no formal authority exists, based on the principal's actions or representations.

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Principal-Agent Relationship

A legal relationship where one party (principal) delegates tasks to another party (agent).

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Agent's Compensation

The payment an agent receives for their services; it's contingent on an agreement.

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Express Agreement (Compensation)

A clear, stated agreement for payment between principal and agent.

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Tacit Agreement (Compensation)

An implied agreement for payment based on usual practices and conduct.

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Agent's Proof of Compensation

The responsibility of the agent to show proof of a compensation agreement.

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Compensation Timing

Payment is usually due after task completion or specific event(s).

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Principal's Compensation Duty

Principal's responsibility to pay agent as agreed, even if they don't directly benefit.

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Study Notes

Introduction

  • Roman law recognized three types of letting and hiring contracts: locatio-conductio rei (letting and hiring of a thing), locatio-conductio operarum (letting and hiring of services), and locatio-conductio operis (letting and hiring of a job).
  • Until August 1, 2000, property lease agreements in South Africa were governed by common law and the Rent Control Act of 1976.
  • The Rental Housing Act 50 of 1999 repealed the Rent Control Act, removing restrictions and providing mechanisms for resolving disputes.
  • It aims to promote adequate housing and resolve conflicts between tenants and landlords.
  • The Rental Housing Amendment Act 35 of 2014 may introduce further changes to lease agreements, though not yet in force.

Definitions

  • A lease of things is a reciprocal agreement where the lessor gives the lessee temporary use and enjoyment of a thing in exchange for counter-performance.
  • Landlords are the owners of a dwelling or their authorized agents or people with lawful right to lease.
  • Tenants are the lessees of dwellings leased by landlords.
  • Dwelling includes houses, rooms, flats, and parking spaces.
  • A rental agreement involves temporary possession or use of property.
  • National Credit Act does not apply to common-law leases without deferred payments.
  • Hire-purchase agreements of movables are regulated by the National Credit Act.
  • Section 13(1) of the Rental Housing Act allows complaints about unfair practices.

General Requirements for Conclusion of the Lease

  • A lease is primarily a contract.
  • The agreement must meet requirements of consensus, contractual capacity, legality, physical possibility of performance, and formalities.

Formalities

  • A lease can be concluded tacitly, verbally, or in writing.
  • Leases involving movables must be in writing under the National Credit Act, treating them as contracts of sale on credit.
  • A written lease must include details like names, addresses, description of dwelling, rental amount, payment frequency, deposit, lease period, and additional charges.

Essentialia of the Contract of Lease

  • The lease must comply with three aspects: leased property, temporary use, and rent.
  • The Rental Housing Act and Consumer Protection Act may introduce further essential terms for lease contracts.
  • Leased property can be immovable, movable, corporeal, or incorporeal.
  • Leased property must be identifiable.
  • Movables are included in lease if intended to accompany leased property.
  • Land leased without mentioning immovable structures includes them.

Temporary Conferment of Power of Use and Enjoyment

  • The lessee gets temporary use and enjoyment of the property, not consumption or destruction.
  • Property cannot be leased in perpetuity.
  • Fixed dates, or periodic leases are possible.
  • Section 14 of the Consumer Protection Act limits fixed-term agreements.

Nature and Extent of Counter-Performance

  • Agreement on the nature and extent of rent (must be explicitly stated).
  • Rent can consist of fixed amounts, formulas, or third-party determination.
  • Courts may correct unjust rent determinations but not compel performance changes.
  • Lease is not considered a lease if essential elements are absent (e.g., partnership, loan).

Duties of the Lessor

  • The lessor must provide the property and allow temporary use as agreed.
  • The property must be delivered in the agreed condition.
  • If no condition is agreed, the property must be in the condition when the contract was signed.
  • If let for specific purposes, the property must meet legal requirements.
  • The lessor must maintain the property, unless otherwise agreed.
  • The Consumer Protection Act ensures safe and habitable conditions.
  • Remedies include specific performance, rescission, and damages.

Providing Undisturbed Use and Enjoyment

  • The lessor guarantees undisturbed use and enjoyment of the property.
  • The lessor is responsible for actions/omissions of third parties to disrupt enjoyment if better title dispute is not managed.
  • The lessor has the right to inspect the property with notice, and the lessee must tolerate repairs with potential rent reduction.

Compensation for Attachments and Improvements

  • Compensation for attachments and improvements must be agreed upon.
  • The Placcaat of 1658 (and re-enactment in 1696) governs compensation for attachments and improvements in South African law.
  • Lessees can claim compensation for improvements made with permission, but not without.
  • Lessees cannot get a lien over the property for improvements.
  • Useful and necessary improvements lead to compensation based on expenditures/market value.

Duties of the Lessee

  • The lessee must pay rent as agreed, use the property reasonably, and return property on termination.
  • Rent should be paid by agreed date, often end of period or in advance.
  • Payment must be made even on holidays.
  • If lessor refuses valid payments, the tenant is not in default.
  • The lessee is responsible for timely payments and possible late payment/loss risks.
  • If payment is by mail, the risk of loss/late payment is borne by the lessee.
  • Payment can be made at agreed location, or the lessor's office.

Liability toward Third Parties

  • The principal is liable for an agent's delict if the agent is an employee and the delict occurred during employment.
  • The principal is liable if they authorized or knew about the act.
  • The agent is liable if they fraudulently misrepresented their authority.
  • If an agent sells property in their name, the principal can reclaim it.

Special Types of Principals

  • Non-existing Principal: No legal validity to a contract with a non-existent principal.

Special Types of Agents

  • Brokers: Intermediaries who assist or conclude contracts.
  • Estate Agents: Regulated under specific legislation to manage real estate.
  • Auctioneers: Who sell property at auction.
  • Company Representatives: Who act on behalf of a company.

Conclusion and Contents of Contracts

  • A valid contract requires consensus, contractual capacity, legality, possibility, and certainty.
  • Consensus is achieved through offer and acceptance.
  • Options and preferential rights are used in contracts.
  • Contracts are typically completed when acceptance is confirmed, regardless of communication method.
  • Key elements are essentialia, naturalia, and incidentalia.
  • Important conditions can affect contract enforceability (suspensive/resolutive).

Miscellaneous Matters

  • Contracts may be terminated by force majeure, risk transfer, and insurance provisions.
  • Contracts for dangerous work necessitate specific considerations.
  • Principles for duties of the client relate to payment for services rendered, including appropriate acceptance for work completed.
  • Client may withhold payment if contractor's work isn't appropriate, consistent with the law.

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Related Documents

KTH Exam Notes 2024 PDF

Description

This quiz covers key concepts related to lease agreements, including legal requirements, compliance with the National Credit Act, and essential elements of lease contracts. Test your understanding of the implications of non-compliance and the specifics that must be included in a written lease agreement.

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