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Onah Attorneys Inc • Johannesburg
Eviction Attorneys – Lawful Evictions Done Right, Tenants Defended
Evicting an occupier in South Africa without a court order is a criminal offence — no matter how much rent is owed. Our eviction attorneys run compliant PIE Act applications for landlords who need their property back, and defend tenants against procedurally defective or retaliatory evictions. We handle residential and commercial evictions across the Gauteng courts, from letter of demand to sheriff’s removal.
Call 011 042 8039Free Case AssessmentWhen you need eviction attorneys
Tenants months in arrears who refuse to leave
Lease expired but the occupier remains (holding over)
Unlawful occupiers or hijacked buildings
Evicting a former partner or family member from your property
Commercial tenants in breach of lease
Tenants facing eviction without proper notice
Rental deposit and damages disputes at termination
Urgent evictions where property is being damaged
How we handle your matter
Lease & breach review
We confirm the lease terms, the breach, and that cancellation is lawful — a defective cancellation kills an eviction months later.
Notice & cancellation
We serve compliant breach notices (CPA Section 14 where applicable) and validly cancel the lease.
PIE application
We launch the eviction application under the PIE Act, including the Section 4(2) notice authorised by the court and served by the sheriff.
Hearing
We argue justice and equity factors — occupier circumstances, alternative accommodation where relevant — and obtain the eviction order with a realistic vacate date.
Sheriff execution & recovery
If occupiers ignore the date, the sheriff removes them. We then pursue arrears and damages judgments against the former tenant.
Fees — transparent, agreed upfront
Unopposed residential evictions are quoted as a staged fixed fee (notice, application, hearing, execution). Opposed matters are billed transparently per stage — and we advise honestly whether settlement beats litigation.
Key legislation:
- PIE Act 19 of 1998
- Consumer Protection Act 68 of 2008
- Rental Housing Act 50 of 1999
Frequently asked questions
How long does an eviction take in South Africa?
An unopposed PIE eviction typically takes 8–16 weeks from application to eviction order depending on the court roll. Opposed evictions take longer — which is why airtight paperwork matters from day one.
Can I evict a tenant without going to court?
No. Locking out a tenant, cutting water or electricity, or removing doors is unlawful self-help — a criminal offence that exposes you to spoliation orders and damages, even if the tenant owes rent.
What notice must I give a defaulting tenant?
Under the CPA, a 20-business-day written breach notice is generally required for fixed-term residential leases before cancellation. The eviction itself then requires the court-authorised PIE notice.
What is the PIE Act?
The Prevention of Illegal Eviction from and Unlawful Occupation of Land Act 19 of 1998 — it governs every residential eviction and requires a court to find eviction just and equitable before ordering it.
Can occupiers be evicted in winter or with children?
Yes, but the court weighs the rights of children, the elderly and households headed by women in the justice-and-equity assessment, and may adjust dates or require municipal engagement in long-occupation cases.
Can I recover the arrear rent too?
Yes. We claim arrears, holding-over damages and legal costs in parallel with or after the eviction, and execute against the former tenant’s assets or salary.
Speak to an Attorney Today
Get straight answers about eviction attorneys from a firm that fights to win. First consultation — no obligation, full confidentiality.
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