Can what’s app messages and email correspondence become binding agreements?
Can what’s app messages and email correspondence become binding agreements? Two weeks after renting a cottage for 5000 rand a month all inclusive, I was asked to move into the main house and care for the dogs when the owner decided to go abroad on contract for a whole year. We agreed on a reduced rental of 1500 rand as a caretaker’s compensation. Through what’s app correspondence and emails, I asked for a 6 months lease with an option for a further 6 months which was agreed to. My cottage was subsequently rented out to another tenant. Later, all correspondence was handed over to the landlord’s attorneys who have decided to hike the agreed rental and reduce the lease period to 3 months. They are apparently looking for more money from a new tenant. Do I have a binding agreement?
Category: Property, Rental Matters
Region: South Africa, Freestate
1 Answer
An agreement or contract comes into place when there is an offer and acceptance. It can be oral or written.It does not matter whether it was over the phone or what’s app. Written lease agreements merely record the agreement and its various terms and is no more valid than an oral or what’s app lease agreement. So to answer your question, once you have proof that you made an offer and it was accepted you have an agreement or contract in place. No attorney can change that.