Question
The roof of the building in which I am a tenant was blown off in a recent storm. Whose responsibility is it to repair the roof? The lease does not mention this type of damage.
Answer
The tenant cannot demand that the landlord repairs the building. He can only cancel the lease and vacate the premises if he finds it unsuitable for his occupation. Regardless of there being no agreement on this type of damages, the landlord cannot be compelled to repair his building nor can the landlord compel the tenant to honour the lease. The tenant has the right to move out. If the landlord desires the tenant to remain, then he has to repair the building.
- Source
- themajlis.co.za
- Published in
- The Majlis Vol 22 No 06
- PDF page
- 3
Appears under Questions and Answers (approximate).