Rents are growing again, but tenant budgets are getting tighter. That combination makes the next few months a test of how well your rental is managed.
What the numbers say
Rental growth picked up to 4.7% year on year in the first quarter of 2026, after three quarters of slowing, according to the PayProp Rental Index. The national average rent reached R9,582, and Gauteng averaged R9,600 a month.
The pressure is on affordability. Rental applicants already spend about 45.7% of their income on debt, and that was before this year's interest rate hikes. So far, PayProp says, careful arrears monitoring by agents has kept rent flowing.
What it means for you
One bad tenant or a month of vacancy can wipe out a year's escalation. Good screening and fast action on arrears now matter more than squeezing out an extra few hundred rand in rent.
Do this now
- Screen properly. Check credit, affordability and references for every applicant, and keep records that you did.
- Escalate smartly. Set increases in line with your suburb, not just inflation, so good tenants stay.
- Act early on arrears. Follow up in the first week a payment is late, not the third month.
- Check your own numbers. Make sure your rent still covers your bond after the latest rate hike.
- Plan renewals. Start renewal conversations two months before the lease ends.
Free: rental appraisal for your property
Hewett Legacy Estates' rental management has achieved a 0.4% vacancy rate and 9.5% escalations, with vetted tenants, on-time rent and fast action on defaulters. Find out what your property should rent for today. Get your free rental appraisal
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All posts are general information, not legal or financial advice.
