Question
A tenant closed his business which was a failure and showing only loss. He therefore vacated the premises before expiry of the lease. Is it permissible for the landlord to charge him a fee called "damages fee" for premature cancellation of the lease?
Answer
The 'damages' fee is not permissible. Since the tenant had a valid reason for premature cancellation, no fee of any kind may be charged.
- Source
- themajlis.co.za
- Published in
- The Majlis Vol 23 No 09
- PDF page
- 3
Appears under Questions and Answers (approximate).