Fantastic, nothing to add. Mathilde managed to find us an apartment that met all our criteria. Thank you so much for your help and professionalism.
Anne, or another of our hunters in Johannesburg, will take care of your search
In Johannesburg, the total monthly occupancy cost for a student or international tenant typically includes several components. Base rent is the primary expense, ranging from approximately ZAR 2,500/month for a basic shared room to ZAR 8,000/month or more for a self-contained furnished flat near Wits or UJ (source: jezreelstudent.co.za, July 2024; theafricanvestor.com, 2024–2025).
Utilities (water, electricity, refuse removal) may or may not be included in the rent. Many student residences and managed buildings include utilities in the monthly fee, but private landlords often charge separately. Electricity in South Africa is billed by the municipality (City of Johannesburg) or via prepaid meters; tenants should clarify this before signing.
Security deposit: Under the Rental Housing Act, 50 of 1999, landlords may require a deposit, commonly equivalent to one to two months' rent. This deposit must be held in an interest-bearing account and returned at the end of the lease, minus any lawful deductions (source: privateproperty.co.za; gawieleroux.co.za).
Agency/letting fees: Estate agents in South Africa typically charge a letting fee, often equivalent to one month's rent plus VAT, paid by the landlord — but some agents pass administrative fees to tenants. Always confirm in writing who bears this cost.
Home contents insurance is not legally mandatory for tenants but is strongly recommended to cover personal belongings. Premiums vary depending on the insurer and the value of contents.
Municipal rates and levies are the landlord's responsibility and are not charged directly to tenants, though they may be factored into the rent amount.
Johannesburg in brief for international students: Rent ranges from approximately ZAR 2,000/month (shared room) to ZAR 8,000/month (furnished studio) near major campuses. The top student neighbourhoods are Braamfontein (Wits), Auckland Park and Doornfontein (UJ), and Melville. A security deposit of one to two months' rent is standard under South African law. Start your search early, verify all listings, and read your lease carefully before signing.
Finding the right long-term rental in Johannesburg as an international student requires understanding the local housing market, the legal framework governing leases, and the neighbourhoods best suited to student life. Whether you are enrolling at Wits in Braamfontein, at one of the UJ campuses in Auckland Park or Doornfontein, or at Monash South Africa in Ruimsig, securing accommodation early is essential. Johannesburg's rental market offers a broad spectrum of options — from affordable shared houses to fully managed student residences — governed by the Rental Housing Act, 50 of 1999. This guide covers everything you need to know about budgeting, neighbourhoods, required documents, and the key steps to renting a flat or room in Johannesburg as an international student.
Johannesburg is South Africa's largest city and a major hub for higher education, home to the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) in Braamfontein and the University of Johannesburg (UJ) with campuses in Auckland Park and Doornfontein. International students can find long-term rental accommodation ranging from approximately ZAR 2,000/month for a shared room to ZAR 8,000/month for a furnished self-contained flat, depending on location and facilities (source: jezreelstudent.co.za, July 2024). The most popular student neighbourhoods include Braamfontein, Melville, and Auckland Park, each offering a mix of managed residences and private rentals. Under the Rental Housing Act, 50 of 1999, landlords may require a security deposit of one to two months' rent, which must be held in an interest-bearing account. Starting the accommodation search at least two to three months before the academic year begins is strongly recommended, as demand near major campuses is high.
Finding the right long-term rental in Johannesburg as an international student requires understanding the local housing market, the legal framework governing leases, and the neighbourhoods best suited to student life. Whether you are enrolling at Wits in Braamfontein, at one of the UJ campuses in Auckland Park or Doornfontein, or at Monash South Africa in Ruimsig, securing accommodation early is essential. Johannesburg's rental market offers a broad spectrum of options — from affordable shared houses to fully managed student residences — governed by the Rental Housing Act, 50 of 1999. This guide covers everything you need to know about budgeting, neighbourhoods, required documents, and the key steps to renting a flat or room in Johannesburg as an international student.
Johannesburg offers a wide range of rental options to suit different student budgets. Shared accommodation in areas like Doornfontein or Westdene remains the most affordable route, while purpose-built student residences in Braamfontein or Auckland Park provide more comfort at a higher monthly cost. International students should budget not only for rent but also for a security deposit (typically one to two months' rent under South African law), potential utility costs, and any letting administration fees. Planning ahead and comparing several options — including university-managed residences at Wits and UJ — can help keep total housing costs manageable throughout the academic year.
International students searching for accommodation in Johannesburg frequently make the following mistakes:
Fantastic, nothing to add. Mathilde managed to find us an apartment that met all our criteria. Thank you so much for your help and professionalism.
Gaëlle provided excellent service. We finally found accommodation that suited us. At first, I was a little pessimistic, but in the end, everything went well.
Justine was an invaluable help. She quickly found us a rental that perfectly matched our requirements. Her availability, kindness, and responsiveness are undeniable. I highly recommend her services!
Thank you to Aude for her availability, follow-up, and smile! A room was found for my daughter very quickly. Thank you for all the information, answering our many questions, and for your support right up to the key handover! I highly recommend her.
Searching for a property in Johannesburg from abroad is a complex challenge. A property hunter based locally offers you a decisive advantage: they know the city's neighbourhoods inside out, from the secure enclaves of Sandton to the vibrant streets of Maboneng, and can identify the best opportunities before they even hit the market.
They act as your eyes and ears on the ground, visiting properties on your behalf, filtering out unsuitable options, and providing you with detailed video tours and honest assessments. This saves you from costly and exhausting trips just to view properties that may not meet your expectations.
Furthermore, a local property hunter understands the South African real estate market's legal and administrative specificities, helping you avoid common pitfalls that foreign buyers often encounter. With Remoters, you are connected to vetted, experienced hunters who speak your language and understand your needs as an international buyer.
Johannesburg is a sprawling metropolis with a wide variety of neighbourhoods, each offering a very different lifestyle. Without local expertise, it can be overwhelming to navigate from abroad. A property hunter on Remoters can guide you through the most sought-after areas based on your profile and budget.
Your property hunter will assess your priorities — security, commute, schooling, lifestyle — and focus their search on the areas that truly match your needs, saving you invaluable time and energy.
Navigating the South African property market as a foreigner involves a number of legal and administrative steps that can be daunting without local support. A property hunter connected through Remoters is not just a scout — they are a knowledgeable partner who can guide you through the entire process.
For rentals, they will help you understand lease agreements, standard clauses under South African law, deposit requirements, and tenant rights. They can also liaise with landlords and agencies on your behalf, ensuring your interests are protected even when you are thousands of kilometres away.
For purchases, the process involves working with a conveyancer (a specialised attorney in South Africa), understanding transfer duties, and complying with the Financial Intelligence Centre Act (FICA) requirements. Your property hunter will coordinate with the relevant professionals and keep you informed at every stage.
By using Remoters, you benefit from a trusted local expert who bridges the gap between your international situation and the South African real estate reality, making the entire experience smoother, safer, and more efficient.
Absolutely. Johannesburg is home to several prestigious universities, including the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits), the University of Johannesburg (UJ), and UNISA. Finding safe, affordable, and well-located student accommodation from abroad is one of the most stressful aspects of preparing for your studies in South Africa.
A property hunter connected through Remoters can take this burden off your shoulders entirely. They will:
With Remoters, you are not alone in this process. Our property hunters understand the specific needs of international students and are committed to finding you a home that is safe, comfortable, and within your budget.
First contact:Your home finder offers a free call to understand your needs.
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