Mandatory Landlord Licensing and Real-Time Tenant Verification System

To:

• President Cyril Ramaphosa  
• Minister of Home Affairs  
• Minister of Human Settlements  
• Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs, Parliament of South Africa

Date: 16 June 2026 

Initiated by: Chumani Fose, Bloemfontein

We, the undersigned South African citizens, respectfully petition the Government to introduce a new law that will help us properly manage illegal immigration.

1. The Problem

Too many illegal and undocumented foreigners are staying in South Africa because it is easy for them to rent houses and rooms without any checks. This puts pressure on housing, jobs, and services for South Africans. Although our Immigration Act already forbids renting to illegal foreigners, there is no proper system to enforce it.

2. Our Proposed Solution

We ask the government to create:

A. Mandatory Landlord Licensing

All landlords, including those renting backyard rooms, must register their properties and get an official Rental License. Current landlords will be given 6 to 12 months to register.

B. Compulsory Tenant Verification

Before renting, landlords must check every adult tenant’s documents (South African ID, passport + valid visa or permit).

This check must be done through a simple online system connected to Home Affairs.

C. Strong but Fair Penalties

• Anyone caught renting to undocumented/illegal tenants will pay a fine of R50,000 per violation and lose their rental license. 
• Repeat offenders will face criminal charges.

D. Easy-to-Use System

• We want a data-free mobile app and online portal that works easily for all landlords.  
• Special help must be given to small landlords, pensioners, and people in townships.  
• The system must be simple, fast, and accessible to everyone.

3. Why This Is Important

• This law will only affect illegal and undocumented immigrants. Legal foreigners with proper papers will not be affected. 
• It will help us track and manage illegal immigration peacefully. 
• It gives South Africans fair access to housing and jobs. 
• Similar systems are successfully used in other countries like the United Kingdom.

4. Our Appeal 

We are not calling for violence or xenophobia. We simply want our government to enforce our immigration laws fairly and firmly.

South Africa has the right to protect its own citizens first — just as other African countries have done in the past when they faced similar challenges.

“Protect South Africans First. Enforce the Law Peacefully.”