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Constitution

South African Rental Housing Association (SARHA)
Effective Date: 01 January 2026

1. Name of the Organisation

The name of the organisation shall be the South African Rental Housing Association (SARHA).

2. Legal Status

SARHA is an independent, non-profit industry body established to represent and advance the interests of landlords and rental housing providers in South Africa.

SARHA operates as a separate legal entity and may enter into agreements, acquire rights, and incur obligations in its own name.

3. Vision

To be South Africa’s leading authority representing landlords and rental housing providers.

4. Mission

To protect, support, and enable landlords through structured systems, professional standards, and strategic industry representation.

5. Objectives

SARHA exists to:

  • Represent and advocate for the interests of landlords
  • Promote professionalism and best practices in rental housing
  • Support landlords in navigating legal and regulatory frameworks
  • Provide training, education, and development opportunities
  • Facilitate structured dispute support for landlord-related matters
  • Promote consistency and transparency in rental housing operations
  • Provide data, insights, and intelligence to inform landlord decisions
  • Strengthen the sustainability and growth of the rental housing sector

6. Powers of the Organisation

SARHA shall have the power to:

  • Establish and manage membership structures
  • Develop and enforce codes of conduct for members
  • Provide landlord-focused certification and verification services
  • Offer training, resources, and advisory services
  • Enter into partnerships and strategic agreements
  • Raise funds and charge fees for services
  • Acquire, manage, and dispose of assets
  • Perform any lawful activity necessary to achieve its objectives

7. Membership

7.1 Categories of Membership

SARHA shall offer membership to:

  • Individual Landlords
  • Professional Landlords (multi-property owners)
  • Developers and Rental Housing Investors
  • Property Management Professionals
  • Corporate or Institutional Members

7.2 Eligibility

Membership is open to individuals and entities involved in the ownership, development, management, or support of rental housing.

All applications are subject to approval by SARHA.

7.3 Rights of Members

Members have the right to:

  • Participate in SARHA programmes and services
  • Access tools, training, and resources
  • Receive industry updates and communications
  • Vote on matters where applicable

7.4 Responsibilities of Members

Members must:

  • Comply with this Constitution and SARHA policies
  • Provide accurate and truthful information
  • Operate in a professional and ethical manner
  • Uphold the standards and objectives of SARHA

7.5 Termination of Membership

SARHA may suspend or terminate membership if a member:

  • Violates SARHA policies or code of conduct
  • Engages in unlawful or unethical conduct
  • Fails to meet membership requirements

Members may resign voluntarily at any time.

8. Governance Structure

8.1 Board of Directors

SARHA shall be governed by a Board of Directors responsible for strategic oversight and governance.

8.2 Composition

The Board shall consist of individuals with expertise in:

  • Property and rental housing
  • Law and regulatory compliance
  • Finance and governance
  • Business and investment

8.3 Responsibilities of the Board

The Board shall:

  • Set strategic direction
  • Ensure compliance with applicable laws
  • Oversee financial management
  • Appoint and supervise executive management
  • Safeguard the interests of the organisation and its members

8.4 Term of Office

Board members shall serve for defined terms and may be reappointed in accordance with SARHA governance policies.

9. Executive Management

SARHA shall appoint executive management responsible for:

  • Day-to-day operations
  • Implementation of strategic objectives
  • Management of staff and resources
  • Delivery of services to members

10. Meetings

10.1 General Meetings

SARHA shall hold general meetings to:

  • Provide updates to members
  • Present reports and developments
  • Address key organisational matters

10.2 Board Meetings

The Board shall meet regularly to oversee the organisation and make decisions.

10.3 Decision-Making

Decisions shall be made by majority vote unless otherwise specified.

11. Code of Conduct

SARHA shall establish a Code of Conduct governing:

  • Ethical conduct
  • Professional standards
  • Compliance expectations

All members must adhere to this Code.

12. Finance and Funding

12.1 Sources of Funding

SARHA may generate income through:

  • Membership fees
  • Service fees
  • Training programmes
  • Partnerships and sponsorships

12.2 Financial Management

All funds shall be managed responsibly and used solely to advance the objectives of SARHA.

12.3 Accountability

SARHA shall maintain proper financial records and ensure transparency in financial reporting.

13. Dispute Support

SARHA may provide structured support to members in resolving rental-related disputes involving tenants or other parties.

Such support is advisory and facilitative in nature and does not replace legal remedies or judicial processes.

14. Amendments to the Constitution

This Constitution may be amended by resolution of the Board or members, subject to appropriate approval procedures.

15. Dissolution

In the event of dissolution:

  • SARHA’s liabilities shall be settled
  • Remaining assets shall be transferred to an organisation with similar objectives

No member shall receive financial benefit from dissolution.

16. Compliance with Laws

SARHA shall operate in accordance with all applicable laws of the Republic of South Africa.

17. Contact

For all matters relating to governance and this Constitution:

Email: admin@sarha.org.za

18. Adoption

This Constitution is adopted as the governing document of the South African Rental Housing Association (SARHA).