Rental concessions for those in need
Since 2017, Communicare has granted rental concessions to vulnerable tenants. Such concessions acknowledge tenants’ need for temporary rental relief due to short-term, unforeseen financial distress.
To ensure that it can continue to deliver on its mandate, the organisation strives to find a balance between being a social landlord to vulnerable tenants and running a sustainable operation. As mandated, bi-annual revisions of concessions guidelines have now been concluded. Revised criteria and guidelines apply to all new concessions applications, not those who have already been awarded concessions.
Eligible tenants must make formal application via the toll free Call Centre on 0800 266 737 or email callcentre@communicare.org.za.
Supporting documents will be required.
Tenants may apply for rental concessions in the following categories:
| 1 | Concessions for the Elderly | Typically granted for 12 months at a time |
| 2 | Concessions due to Permanent Illness/Disability | Typically granted for 12 months at a time |
| 3 | Concessions due to Temporary Illness/Disability | Typically granted for 3 months at a time |
| 4 | Concessions due to Temporary Loss of Income | Typically granted for 3 months at a time |
| 5 | Concessions due to Death of Co-Lessee | Typically granted for 3 months at a time |
Qualifying criteria:
Concessions for the elderly
Applicant must be the leaseholder; Applicant must have rented for three (3) years or more in the Mother City Housing Company and Shared Future Rentals portfolios; Applicant must have rented for five (5) years or more in the goodfind Properties portfolio; Applicant must be at least 60 years old at the time of making application in the Mother City Housing Company and Shared Future Rentals portfolios; Applicant must be at least 70 years old at the time of making application in the goodfind Properties portfolio; Applicant must be in good standing (no arrears); There must be no surety on file for the lease; There must be no other occupants of income earning age in the household; Applicant’s primary source of income is a SASSA old age grant; Applicant must not own immovable property; Applicant is the sole occupant, or lives with another SASSA old age grant recipient or minor; Applicant does not receive any other regular income in excess of R1500 per month.
Concession due to permanent illness/disability
Applicant must be the leaseholder; Applicant must be in good standing (no arrears); There must be no surety on file for the lease; There must be no other occupants of income earning age in the household; Applicant must not own immovable property; The monthly household income must have been adversely affected by a household member’s illness/disability after signing the lease.
Concession due to temporary illness/disability
Applicant must be the leaseholder; Applicant must be in good standing (no arrears); There must be no surety on file for the lease; There must be no other occupants of income earning age in the household; Applicant must not own immovable property; The monthly household income must be adversely affected by a household member’s illness/disability after signing the lease.
Concession due to temporary loss of income
Applicant must be the leaseholder; Applicant must be in good standing (no arrears); There must be no surety on file for the lease; There must be no other occupants of income earning age in the household; Applicant must not own immovable property; A household member’s loss of income must be due to external factors and not due to their own actions e.g. resignation or dismissal.
Concession due to death of co-lessee
Applicant must be the leaseholder; Applicant must be in good standing (no arrears); There must be no surety on file for the lease; Applicant must not own immovable property; The monthly household income must be adversely affected by the death of a household member.
*Please note that terms and conditions apply.
