If you’ve navigated the townships of Gauteng, South Africa, you’re undoubtedly familiar with ‘backroom dwelling.’ But let’s clarify: we’re not talking about inheriting a piece of your grandma’s legendary four-room house in Soweto, where family feuds over ‘kukithi la’ (this is ours) have raged for decades. We’re talking about renting a humble room ekasi for around R900 a month. Now, when we shift our focus to the inner city, we see a unique form of accommodation. This is the reality of Johannesburg Flats Rentals, where space is maximized in ways you might not expect. From converted balconies to shared lounges, the rental scene in Jozi is a testament to the city’s resourcefulness.

And who hasn’t seen those garage-to-rent setups? Yes, garages transformed into makeshift dwellings, not parking spaces. Many township homeowners build these structures without a car in sight, solely for rental income. These garage rentals house a significant portion of South African families—about 10% (Read Townships: Backroom boom by Everything Property)—who call backrooms home. The backroom rental market in Mzansi is undeniably substantial. But what about the rental scene in Johannesburg’s inner-city areas like Hillbrow, Berea, and Yeoville? While township residents accept backrooms as a normal living situation, Jozi’s tenants have adapted to even more unconventional spaces: balconies in Johannesburg flats.

Imagine renting an enclosed balcony for roughly R800 a month, depending on size and amenities. It’s a common practice in Johannesburg’s high-rise flats. These balconies, often enclosed with glass and featuring lockable doors, are transformed into compact living spaces. They’re perfect for young, single individuals seeking affordable accommodation. A single or three-quarter bed, a small TV stand, and a mini wardrobe fit snugly within. Communal bathrooms and kitchens complete the setup.

And if that doesn’t raise an eyebrow, consider this: even lounges are up for rent. In Jozi, creativity reigns supreme. Tenants rent “space” within a living room, just enough for a bed and perhaps a television. You’ll find two or three strangers sharing a single lounge, each paying upwards of R500 a month. While it might seem like overcrowding, it’s the reality for many seeking affordable housing in Johannesburg, the City of Gold, while job hunting.

These are typically two-bedroom flats, making them ideal for landlords maximizing rental income. The balcony and lounge aren’t the only rental units. The main bedroom is often shared by two strangers, each paying around R1400 a month. It’s a living arrangement that would likely cause chaos ekasi, where uMantwa, a devout churchgoer, would clash with uNthabiseng, who returns from the groove at 3:15 AM every weekend.

So, the next time someone mentions owning a flat in Johannesburg and you wonder how they manage the mortgage, remember these creative rental strategies. Landlords are maximizing their properties, turning every available space into an income source. This is the rental reality of Johannesburg Flats.