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Flats to rent in Dobsonville fall into two groups: the large JOSHCO social housing complex, known locally as the Dobsonville Flats, and privately owned bachelor units and backyard flats. On 13 September 2026 the property portals had just one flat advertised in Dobsonville: a self-contained bachelor unit in a secure complex in Dobsonville Ext 3 at R4,200 a month, listed on both Property24 and Private Property. JOSHCO publishes rents of R1,200 to R2,500 a month for its 1- and 2-bedroom units, but you must apply to JOSHCO directly.
Below: rent guidance, the types of flats you will find, how to apply for the JOSHCO flats, and how to rent a private flat safely. For houses, rooms and buying, see Dobsonville Property.
Private flats on the portals (13 September 2026): 1 listing in Dobsonville, a bachelor unit in Ext 3 at R4,200 a month (Property24 and Private Property)
JOSHCO Dobsonville Flats: 502 rental units at 11065 Motseme Street; JOSHCO lists rents of R1,200 to R2,500 a month
Apply for JOSHCO: WhatsApp 066 511 7139, phone 011 406 7300 or [email protected]. JOSHCO units are rental only, with no rent-to-buy
Wider Soweto: Property24 listed 61 apartments and flats to rent across Soweto on 13 September 2026
Deposit: held in an interest-bearing account and refunded within 7 days of the lease ending if nothing is owed (Rental Housing Act)
Flats to Rent in Dobsonville: Current Market Overview
Dobsonville is mostly freestanding houses, so purpose-built flats are rare. The biggest block of rental flats is the JOSHCO social housing complex on Motseme Street, which the City of Johannesburg’s housing company built with 502 units. Construction started in 2014, stopped, and resumed in May 2017, with occupation planned for early 2019 according to local reporting at the time.
Private flats are usually small complexes or bachelor units built on residential stands, and many are let without ever reaching the portals. On 13 September 2026 Property24 showed three rentals of any kind in Dobsonville and Private Property showed one. Across Soweto, Property24 showed 61 flats, so include neighbouring areas in your search if you need more choice.
Typical Prices / Rent
| Option | Rent | Source and date |
|---|---|---|
| JOSHCO 1- and 2-bedroom units, Dobsonville | R1,200 to R2,500 a month | JOSHCO project page, checked 13 September 2026 |
| Private bachelor unit in a secure complex, Dobsonville Ext 3 | R4,200 a month | Property24 and Private Property, 13 September 2026 |
| Room, Dobsonville Ext 3 (for comparison) | R1,800 a month | Gumtree, 13 September 2026 |
Looking for flats to rent in Dobsonville under R3,000? The only published options under that amount on the day we checked were JOSHCO units and backyard rooms. JOSHCO rents depend on the unit and your qualifying income, so confirm the current amount with JOSHCO before you plan your budget.
Property Types Available
JOSHCO social housing flats
The City’s 2016 update on the project described 152 one-bedroom and 350 two-bedroom units, with some two-bedroom units set aside for people with disabilities, plus site lighting and security guards. Because there is income qualifying and a waiting process, you cannot simply answer an advert. Full details are on Joshco Flats to Rent in Dobsonville Prices.
Bachelor flats
A single room with a kitchenette and its own bathroom. The Ext 3 unit advertised in September 2026 also came with a secure parking bay. Ask whether electricity is prepaid and whether water is included.
Backyard flats and flatlets
Self-contained units behind a family home. They are usually cheaper than complex units but vary widely in size and finish. If you only need a single room, compare Rooms to Rent in Dobsonville.
Photos and “inside” views
Many people search for photos of the Dobsonville Flats before applying. We do not publish unofficial photos because they may show a different block or an old condition. Ask JOSHCO whether you can view a unit during the application process, and never rely only on photos sent by someone offering to secure a unit for a fee.
Areas to Consider
- Dobsonville Ext 3: where the one private flat on the portals was advertised on 13 September 2026.
- Mmesi Park: next to Dobsonville Mall on Elias Motsoaledi Road.
- Dobsonville Gardens and Dobsonville Ext 2: check for backyard flats advertised locally.
- Neighbouring areas: on 13 September 2026 Property24 suggested Jabulani (14 rentals) and Fleurhof (13 rentals) as nearby searches with more stock.
Requirements & Application Process
Applying for a JOSHCO flat
- JOSHCO’s published process (October 2024) starts with online pre-screening registration via links on its website and social media, or by WhatsApp to 066 511 7139.
- If you pass pre-screening, a JOSHCO leasing administrator asks for your documents and gives you a unique reference number.
- Approved applicants pay the deposit only into JOSHCO’s official bank account using that reference number, then attend an induction to sign the lease and collect keys.
- JOSHCO’s stated qualifying gross monthly income for its affordable housing is R1,850 to R22,000, excluding overtime. Leases run for two years with an option to renew.
Renting a private flat
- Expect to show your ID and proof of income such as payslips or bank statements.
- Ask for the lease in writing; the landlord must provide it if you ask. It should state rent, deposit, utilities and notice period.
- Inspect the flat with the landlord before you move in and record any damage.
- Get a dated receipt for every payment, and ask for proof your deposit is in an interest-bearing account.
- If an agent is involved, check them on the PPRA practitioner search.
Scam warning: JOSHCO says it offers rental units only, and anyone selling a JOSHCO flat or offering “rent to buy” is not acting for JOSHCO. Report suspected fraud to JOSHCO’s hotline on 0800 002 587. For private flats, never pay before viewing, and be wary of prices far below similar units. Landlord and tenant disputes go to the Gauteng Rental Housing Tribunal, free of charge.
Transport, Schools & Amenities
- Shopping: Dobsonville Mall, 75 Elias Motsoaledi Road, Mmesi Park, and Pick n Pay QualiSave at 10415 Mahajane Drive.
- Transport: minibus taxis are the main public transport; see Transport in Dobsonville for routes and bus services.
- Clinics: the City lists Itireling Clinic at 5 Roodepoort Road, Dobsonville (011 988 3101) and Nokuphila Clinic on Sejoe Street, Dobsonville Ext 2 (011 988 7924). See Dobsonville Clinic.
- Schools: see Schools in Dobsonville. Grade 1 and 8 places at public schools are applied for through the GDE online system.
- Police: Dobsonville SAPS, 01 Elias Motsoaledi Road, 011 983 1506.
Current Listings / Where to Look
- Property24: to rent in Dobsonville (filter for apartments and flats).
- Private Property: to rent in Dobsonville.
- JOSHCO: Dobsonville project page for the social housing complex.
- Local noticeboards and community groups for backyard flats, with the checks above.
We do not copy adverts onto this page because they change daily. Figures were checked on 13 September 2026 and are reviewed monthly.