It’s tempting, isn’t it? You’re searching for a new home, so you head over to Google and type in “private landlord rentals near me”. A few clicks later, it looks like you’re all set to view a property and move in — no credit check, no vetting, and no extra fees pushing up the price. Or so you’d think.
According to Mark Moore, Marketing Manager at Kellaprince Properties, renters who opt for a private landlord often end up wasting time, money, and effort in the process. And in the worst-case scenario, that can happen without ever stepping foot inside a rental home.
The pitfalls of private landlords
South Africa’s residential rental market kicked off 2025 on a high note, with the latest PayProp Rental Index reporting its strongest performance in years. But with affordability top of mind for tenants, more are heading online in search of budget-friendly options, and increasingly, that means renting directly through private landlords.
“There are definitely honest, capable, and reputable private landlords on the market,” says Moore. “However, we have seen the results time and time again when tenants place their trust in the wrong person. Despite the immediate perks, going the private landlord route can be a decision that comes back to bite you.”
Pricing can be a red flag
On paper, renting through a private landlord can seem like a money-saver. Without a rental property practitioner involved, there's no commission or admin fee pushing up the rental cost. But if the deal looks too good to be true, it probably is.
“While rental agencies may ask for upfront payments like a damage deposit, admin fee, TPN credit check fee, and entry inspection fee, these play an important role in ensuring a tenant can manage payments and protecting the landlord's investment,” Moore explains. “If a private landlord isn't asking for these basic requirements, it should be a warning sign as to how they handle their business and the type of experience you might receive as their tenant.”
The illusion of flexibility
Many renters believe private landlords are more open to negotiation or lease flexibility than rental property practitioners. This may be true in some cases — private landlords aren’t bound by corporate procedures, and they can offer more tailored terms.
“While rental practitioners aren't the ones directly responsible for making a call, they do play a role in pricing,” shares Moore. “As they have an incentive to let properties quickly, they will ensure their clients are pricing their properties fairly for the market.”
Some landlords may offer flexible lease durations, which can seem ideal, especially for those with short-term plans. But it’s worth noting the potential trade-off. “At face value, this can be appealing,” Moore notes, “but you may be required to pay a slightly higher rental rate due to the extra work and risk for the landlord.”
Skipping checks comes at a cost
For tenants with no credit history, particularly young people entering the rental market, a private landlord who overlooks credit checks might seem like a blessing. But that can indicate a deeper issue.
“If your landlord isn't doing due diligence, it should be a warning that they may not be applying such care to other parts of the rental process, especially that which concerns your well-being,” says Moore.
Service without a smile
Another common belief is that renting directly through a landlord will lead to faster response times and more “personalised” service. After all, it’s in their best interest to keep reliable tenants happy.
“However, renting through a good rental property practitioner can provide you with the same attention, and perhaps even more,” Moore says. “They have an incentive to guide you through the process, be constantly communicative, and manage your rental in a way that keeps you happy and on their books for a renewed lease.”
Similarly, while it’s assumed that owners will take better care of their properties, that isn’t always the case. “We've seen cases where landlords own huge rental portfolios, are unable to balance their primary employment with rental management, or simply don't have the skills to do it,” Moore adds. “Rental property practitioners who manage a property are trained to handle the upkeep of a property and quickly source quality services to deal with maintenance issues or potential upgrades.”
Legal risks and discrimination
Private landlords may also lack familiarity with landlord-tenant laws, which can lead to problematic behaviour, from illegal evictions to ignoring legal responsibilities. Rental property practitioners, on the other hand, are required to be registered with the Property Practitioners Regulatory Authority (PPRA) and abide by the Property Practitioners Act No. 22 of 2019, which outlines their responsibilities and obligations.
And when it comes to fair treatment, the law also offers protections for tenants against discrimination. “The Property Practitioners Act provides a code of conduct for property practitioners, preventing them from discriminating based on race, gender, sex, pregnancy, marital status, ethnic or social origin, colour, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, conscience, belief, culture, language, and birth,” says Moore. “While there have been reports of unscrupulous practitioners doing so, they can have their Fidelity Fund Certificate withdrawn (preventing them from operating), be fined, and suffer significant damage to their reputations.”
Beware of rental scams
Another challenge of renting through a private landlord is potentially falling for a scam. Fraudsters often list fake or unavailable properties on sites like Facebook Marketplace or Gumtree, using unrealistically low prices to attract interest. They then pressure tenants to pay a deposit or the first month’s rent upfront, often before any viewing takes place. These rental scams typically involve vague property details, poor communication, and no follow-up once payment is made.
“Private landlords aren’t regulated,” warns Moore. “In comparison, property practitioners must register with the PPRA, and you can verify their details on its website. Property practitioners also won’t ask for payment before you’ve viewed and signed a lease — everything is done through legitimate platforms.”
Going with a rental property practitioner
“Renters have far more peace of mind when they work with a registered real estate agency that follows the correct processes,” says Moore. “It’s about knowing your rights are protected, your lease is legally sound, and your property is properly managed.
“At Kellaprince Properties, we offer an extensive portfolio of properties to let in Nelspruit (Mbombela) and surrounding areas, with something to suit every lifestyle and budget. Contact us today to get started.”