Ferial Ismail Attorney at Law and Property Management Boutique

12/10/2026

“HOW MUCH IS THIS EVICTION GOING TO COST ME?”

It’s probably the first question every landlord asks — and understandably so.

When a tenant stops paying rent or refuses to vacate a property, the last thing a landlord wants is uncertainty about legal costs.

An eviction involves a legal process, and the steps required can differ from one matter to another.

That is why we take a staged approach to eviction fees.

Our approach is designed to give landlords greater clarity about the legal costs associated with the different stages of the process, rather than leaving them uncertain about what comes next.

Are you a landlord, property investor or property manager dealing with a difficult tenant?

Contact us to find out how our staged eviction fee structure works.

📞 021 914 9877
📧 [email protected]

Ferial Ismail Attorney at Law
Evictions | Rental Disputes | Property Law

06/10/2026

TENANT REFUSING TO LEAVE? WORRIED ABOUT THE COST OF EVICTION?

For many landlords, the biggest concern isn’t whether they have a legal remedy — it’s how much the legal process is going to cost.

An eviction is not always a single, straightforward step. The legal process can involve different stages depending on the circumstances of the matter.

This is why we approach our eviction fees differently.

Our staged eviction fee structure is designed to give landlords greater clarity about the legal costs associated with the different stages of their matter.

You don’t have to guess what you’re paying for or commit to an entire legal process without understanding what lies ahead.

Want to know how our staged fee structure works?

📞 021 914 9877
📧 [email protected]

Contact Ferial Ismail Attorney at Law and ask about our STAGED EVICTION FEE STRUCTURE.

⚖️ Evictions | Rental Disputes | Property Law

16/07/2026

🚨 BIG CHANGES COULD BE COMING TO SOUTH AFRICA’S EVICTION PROCESS

The biggest overhaul of the eviction process in more than 20 years has been proposed through the Draft Prevention of Illegal Eviction from and Unlawful Occupation of Land (PIE) Amendment Bill.

If enacted, the proposed amendments may include:

✔️ Mandatory mediation before many eviction applications proceed.
✔️ Automatic involvement of municipalities in eviction proceedings.
✔️ A faster eviction process where landlords can prove severe financial hardship.
✔️ Clearer responsibilities regarding temporary alternative accommodation.
✔️ Stronger measures aimed at unlawful land invasions and organised occupations.
✔️ More structured court procedures and stricter timelines.
✔️ Significant penalties for certain unlawful occupations and related offences.

⚖️ Important: These are proposed changes only and are not yet law. The Draft Bill is currently open for public comment before it proceeds through Parliament.

For landlords, managing agents, bodies corporate and property owners, these proposed amendments could significantly change how eviction matters are handled in future.

At FI Attorneys, we are closely monitoring these developments and will continue to keep our clients informed every step of the way.

🗣️ Have your say! The Draft PIE Amendment Bill is currently open for public comment until 6 August 2026. Property owners, tenants, legal practitioners, bodies corporate and members of the public are encouraged to make written submissions before the deadline.

📄 Read the Draft Bill and submission details here:
https://www.dhs.gov.za/node/2181

📧 Submit your comments via email to:
[email protected]

At FI Attorneys, we believe that legislation affecting property rights and housing should strike the correct balance between constitutional protections and legal certainty. We encourage all interested stakeholders to familiarise themselves with the proposed amendments and participate in the legislative process.

📞 Need advice on an eviction matter?
Contact FI Attorneys for professional legal assistance.

07/07/2026

06/07/2026

PROPERTY LAW MONDAY

The legal consequences of cancelling a residential lease agreement

A common misconception amongst landlords is that, once a residential lease agreement has been cancelled, the tenant is immediately obliged to vacate the property and may simply be removed if they refuse to leave.

The legal position is more nuanced.

Cancellation of a lease agreement terminates the contractual relationship between the parties. However, the tenant remains under a legal obligation to restore vacant possession of the property to the landlord. Should the tenant remain in occupation after cancellation without the landlord's consent, the occupation becomes unlawful.

Importantly, unlawful occupation does not entitle a landlord to resort to self-help by changing locks, disconnecting municipal services or removing the occupier's belongings. Such conduct is unlawful and may expose the landlord to legal proceedings.

The appropriate remedy is to institute eviction proceedings in accordance with the applicable legal framework. Following the prescribed procedure not only protects the rights of the property owner but also ensures that any eviction order obtained is legally enforceable.

Understanding the distinction between cancellation of a lease agreement and the right to evict is essential. One does not automatically follow the other.

Ferial Ismail Attorney at Law

Specialising in residential evictions, lease disputes, arrear rental recovery, levy collections for Homeowners' Associations and Body Corporates, and civil litigation.

The contents of this post are intended for general informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice.

What challenges have you encountered when dealing with unlawful occupiers?

21/04/2026

OPINION: Judge Masudah Pangarker and acting Judge Igshaan Higgins both of whom are Muslim, have made a pioneering ruling which has set a precedent for South African family law and Muslims around the country, writes Yusuf Ismail

Click on the link to read more: https://tinyurl.com/sv2354sn