Finding a rental home you love is a major win. But after the initial excitement of settling in fades, it’s not unusual to wonder if your monthly rent is taking up a bit too much room in your budget. If you find yourself holding your breath every time rent is due or constantly shuffling funds around just to cover everyday basics, you’re definitely not alone. The latest rental data shows that arrears remain a challenge for some tenants in Mbombela (Nelspruit).
Mbombela renters feel the pinch, says PayProp
The PayProp Rental Index for Q1 2026 found that 18.1% of Mbombela tenants were in arrears, down from 18.5% in the previous quarter. However, the average arrears percentage climbed for a second consecutive quarter, reaching 70.2%. This means tenants who were in arrears owed an average amount equivalent to 70.2% of a month's rent.
The figures also highlight why renters need to consider more than just the advertised monthly rental when working out what they can afford. “It’s not just about the rental inflation. There are other values that are attached to your rental invoice at the end of the month,” says Michelle Dickens, Commercial Director at PayProp South Africa. “So it’s your utilities on top of that, and it could be parking. Some invoices are even capturing an increase in the rates and taxes that the landlord may have had throughout the year as well.”
Red flags that your rent is becoming unaffordable
Habits can reveal a lot about whether your rental is still comfortably within your means. If you’re regularly making late payments, relying on credit to cover rent, or borrowing money from friends and family, it’s worth taking a closer look at your finances. You may notice that there’s little or nothing left to save each month, or that you’re cancelling subscriptions or cutting other non-essential expenses just to make ends meet.
Your income may also no longer be keeping pace with rental increases and your other everyday expenses. Even if you’re still managing to pay on time, constantly reshuffling your budget to make everything fit can be a warning sign. If you feel uncomfortable talking about how much your rent costs or avoid looking too closely at the numbers because they’re worrying you, don’t ignore that feeling. It could be time to make some changes.
How to free up room in your rental budget
Taking proactive steps can quickly lighten the load on your monthly budget. Making a few intentional adjustments to your habits and living arrangements can create the breathing room you need.
- Know your total monthly rental cost: Don’t look at the rent alone. Add utilities, parking, security, internet, and other recurring costs to get a clearer picture of what your rental is really costing you each month.
- Trim your utility bills: Small daily habits, like turning off unnecessary lights, opting for shorter showers, using cold-water wash cycles, and unplugging unused appliances, can help reduce your monthly utility costs.
- Recognise when your rental is no longer affordable: If your rental costs are regularly eating into money needed for essentials or leaving you short at the end of the month, it may be a sign that your current property is stretching your budget too far. Changes to your income or other expenses can make a once-affordable rental harder to manage.
- Communicate early if circumstances change: If your financial situation changes and you’re worried about keeping up with your rental costs, speak to your landlord or managing agent as soon as possible. Raising the issue early gives you more time to discuss your options before a missed payment becomes a bigger problem.
- Downsize your space: When your lease ends, consider moving to a smaller, more affordable property or relocating slightly further out to lower your baseline rent.
Having a closer look at your spending and making a few practical changes can ease the pressure on your wallet each month. The key is to make sure your rental works for your lifestyle and finances, rather than leaving you constantly worrying about making ends meet.
Rent FAQs for tenants
1. What happens if you can't pay your rent?
If you miss a rental payment, you may be in breach of your lease. Your landlord or managing agent may give you notice to remedy the breach or take steps to cancel the lease, depending on the terms of your agreement and applicable rental law. If you’re struggling to pay, contact them as soon as possible to discuss your options.
2. What happens if you lose your job and can’t pay rent?
Contact your landlord or managing agent immediately with an honest update and a realistic plan, such as asking whether a temporary payment arrangement is possible. You should also cut extra costs and check if you qualify for UIF or have income protection insurance to help cover expenses.
3. What to tell your landlord or managing agent when you can’t pay rent?
Be honest before rent is due. Briefly explain your situation, highlight your good payment record, if applicable, and offer a specific catch-up plan or partial payment. Always follow up in writing via email or text to keep a clear record of your agreement.
4. How long can a tenant stay without paying rent?
There is no fixed period. A tenant does not automatically have the right to remain in a property for an extended period without paying rent. However, a landlord or managing agent cannot simply lock a tenant out or remove them without following the legal eviction process. If the matter goes to court, the timing can vary depending on the circumstances.
5. Can you be blacklisted for not paying rent?
Yes, unpaid rent can potentially affect your credit record. Landlords and rental agencies may report qualifying rental payment information to credit bureaus such as TPN or TransUnion, subject to the relevant requirements. A negative listing can make it harder to secure future leases, apply for loans, or obtain other forms of credit.
6. Can a landlord or managing agent evict you if you have nowhere to go?
Yes, a landlord can apply to court for the eviction of a tenant even if the tenant has nowhere else to go. Where a property is professionally managed, the managing agent may handle communication and facilitate the process on the landlord's behalf. However, the required legal process must be followed and a court order obtained. A tenant cannot simply be locked out or have their belongings removed.
The right property practitioner can be your best ally
With a real estate agency like Kellaprince Properties, you don’t have to navigate rental affordability alone. We conduct tenant credit and affordability checks through TPN to help you find a rental that fits your budget.
If we are the property managers of a rental property, we provide monthly statements and encourage open communication between landlords and tenants. Our client care approach helps address concerns early and work towards practical solutions when issues arise.
