South Africa proposes changes to eviction laws

Proposed amendments to South Africa’s Prevention of Illegal Eviction from and Unlawful Occupation of Land Act (PIE) could provide landlords with a clearer legal route through the courts when tenants stop paying rent. Human Settlements Minister Thembi Simelane has released the draft PIE Amendment Bill for public comment.

The original 1998 Act was designed to prevent arbitrary evictions and address the history of forced removals by requiring a court order and ensuring evictions are ‘just and equitable.’ However, property owners have expressed concern that the current process can leave them carrying financial burdens for months while waiting for lawful evictions to conclude.