Landlord & Tenant Lawyers in Johannesburg
Hugh Raichlin Attorneys assists landlords, property owners and managing agents with lease agreements, rent arrears, breaches and occupation disputes. We help identify a lawful, practical route that protects the property and addresses the real problem.
Brief initial telephone discussion at no charge. A paid consultation is arranged where appropriate. Attorney follow-up is ordinarily within one working day.
This page is for you if…
- Rent is unpaid or a lease obligation is being breached.
- You need a lease drafted or reviewed.
- An occupier has not left after the agreement ended.
- You need to understand notices, cancellation, eviction or a dispute forum.
How Hugh Raichlin Attorneys can help
Clear leases and records
We draft and review leases, amendments, security provisions and notices. Accurate account and communication records can make a significant difference if a dispute escalates.
Assess breach, termination and arrears
The signed agreement and applicable law determine what can be done and when. We distinguish collecting money, cancelling an agreement and recovering occupation rather than treating them as one automatic step.
Appropriate dispute resolution
Negotiation, mediation, a tribunal or court process may be relevant. We assess the forum and relief rather than assume every lease dispute needs the same application.
What to consider before deciding
No self-help eviction
Changing locks, removing belongings or cutting services is not a substitute for the legal process. Where a court order and lawful execution are required, a private notice cannot replace them.
Notices must fit the facts
Notice wording, periods, service and the legal basis for cancellation need review. A defective notice can undermine later proceedings.
Costs and timing need a scoped assessment
The occupier's position, applicable legislation, opposition and court availability affect progress. Do not rely on guaranteed eviction dates or treat an overdue account as an immediate right to remove a person.
Separate tracks for different problems
Recover arrears
Assess the ledger and pursue payment through the appropriate process.
Address breach / cancellation
Review the agreement and serve a proper notice where justified.
Obtain lawful occupation relief
Pursue eviction or recovery through the correct forum.
These are distinct remedies. Unpaid rent does not by itself authorise immediate eviction.
The next steps
- 1Review the lease, account and occupation history.
- 2Identify breach, applicable protections and proper notices.
- 3Consider resolution or institute/defend the appropriate proceedings.
- 4Implement lawful relief and reconcile the account.
Information to prepare
Lease and amendments; full rental ledger; payment records; notices and proof of service; correspondence; details of occupation; agent instructions; existing tribunal/court documents.
Common mistakes to avoid
Avoid lockouts, service disconnections, threats, unclear ledgers or treating a WhatsApp message as proof of valid service in every case. Keep financial claims and occupation remedies properly distinguished.
Relevant experience for your matter
Hugh's property and litigation experience includes lease and occupation disputes. The firm's wider commercial and conveyancing capability supports matters involving property ownership and business agreements.
Hugh Raichlin
Principal Attorney & Accredited Mediator
BA, LLB · University of the Witwatersrand
Hugh Raichlin is the founder and principal attorney of HRA, established in 1993. He brings 40 years of legal experience, with a practice spanning commercial litigation, property disputes, family and divorce matters, estates and mediation.
View Hugh's profile
Abigail Sher
Attorney, Notary & Conveyancer
LLB · University of South Africa
Abigail Sher is an attorney, notary and conveyancer at HRA. She assists with residential and commercial property transfers, notarial work, antenuptial contracts and deceased estates.
View Abigail's profileFrequently asked questions
Do you mainly act for landlords?
Yes. Landlords, owners and managing agents are the principal audience for this service; other instructions are assessed individually.
Can I change the locks when rent is unpaid?
Do not use self-help. Obtain advice about the lease and lawful remedies before changing occupation or services.
Is eviction the same as cancelling a lease?
No. Cancellation and recovery of occupation are distinct, and additional legal steps may be required.
Can you promise how long eviction will take?
No. The facts, procedure, opposition and court process affect timing.
Related services
Legal Insights
Useful sources
Get advice on the lease or occupation issue in front of you.
Tell us about the lease, the account and the dispute. We will assess the lawful route and the documents needed.
What happens next?
Start with a brief telephone discussion so the firm can understand your matter and decide whether it may assist. That initial discussion is free. Where appropriate, a paid consultation is arranged, usually in person; remote arrangements may be considered.
You can begin through our AI-assisted WhatsApp enquiry service at any time. It gathers initial information and does not provide legal advice. Suitable prospective clients ordinarily receive an attorney call within one working day. A message does not confirm an appointment, acceptance of a matter or action on a deadline.
Speak to Hugh Raichlin Attorneys
Visit us by arrangement at 1 The Avenue, Norwood, Johannesburg 2192. Office hours are Monday–Friday, 08:30–17:00. New enquiries and WhatsApp: 011 010 8336. Email: reception@raichlin.co.za. Existing clients should use 011 483 1527.
Website information is general and is not legal advice. Every matter depends on its facts. Please send sensitive documents only when requested through an appropriate channel.
This website provides general information, not legal advice. Sending an enquiry does not by itself create an attorney-client relationship. Each matter is assessed on its own facts.