How the marketplace works from first listing to booking
RentThisWall connects property owners with advertisers looking for billboard and wall space across South Africa. The process starts when a property owner shares the location, space type, dimensions, photos and any site notes. We then help structure the listing so it is clear for advertisers and easy to compare with other available sites.
For advertisers, the usual flow is simple: search by area, review the listing details, check the artwork size and the booking terms, then send an enquiry through the contact page. From there, our team helps with brief matching, consent checks, booking coordination and installation timing. If there are questions about access, lighting, wall condition or viewing distance, those are best raised early so the campaign can be planned properly.
- Property owner submits the site details and supporting photos.
- Listing is prepared with location, format, size and availability.
- Advertiser sends an enquiry and request details.
- Consent and bylaw steps are reviewed before booking moves ahead.
- Installation and campaign timing are coordinated once approval is in place.
What property owners need before a listing can go live
Before a wall or billboard space is listed, we need enough detail to describe it accurately. That includes the exact address or area, the surface type, approximate dimensions, height from ground level, whether the site faces traffic or pedestrians, and whether there are any access limits. Photos taken in daylight help a lot, especially where the wall has poles, windows, signage clutter or nearby trees that could affect visibility.
Property owners should also confirm that they are allowed to offer the space for advertising. In most cases that means the owner, landlord or authorised managing agent must give written consent. If the space is on a sectional title property, commercial building or shared boundary wall, it is important to check who has authority before any booking is accepted. A clean listing saves time later and reduces back-and-forth with advertisers who need certainty.
- Exact site address or area name
- Clear photos of the wall or billboard face
- Approximate dimensions in metres
- Access details for installation crews
- Written consent from the person authorised to approve use of the space
What advertisers should check before booking a site
Advertisers should review more than just the location name. Check the visible size, the orientation of the wall or billboard, the condition of the surface and whether the listing notes any restrictions on installation times or artwork format. If the site is close to a complex entrance, a side street or a high wall, ask for more detail so the creative team can prepare the artwork correctly.
It also helps to think about the campaign duration, the install method and whether the message needs to change often. Some spaces are better suited to long runs, while others may work well for shorter campaigns or seasonal messages. If you need copy adjustments, our team can help match the brief to the available site and keep the booking process moving without confusion.
- Confirm the size and format before artwork is produced
- Check whether the site is visible from the intended direction
- Ask about access for installers, especially in busy CBD areas
- Confirm the campaign dates before making print or production plans
- Raise any height, safety or loading concerns early
Consent and municipal bylaw approval explained
Signage needs two things in place before it should go ahead: the property owner's consent and any required local municipal bylaw approval. These are separate steps and both matter. A site may be available in principle but still need review against local rules on size, placement, illumination, safety and whether the surface is allowed to carry advertising.
Our support team helps with consent check guidance and bylaw process support, but each municipality can have its own process and documentation needs. In places like Johannesburg, Pretoria, Cape Town, Durban and Bloemfontein, requirements can differ by zone and property type. If a site is near a road reserve, a heritage property or a residential boundary, the review may take a bit longer so it is better to plan ahead.
We always advise clients not to move into printing or installation until the right approvals are understood. That avoids wasted costs and awkward delays, especially where a landlord, body corporate or local authority has specific conditions.
How bookings, renewals and availability are handled
Availability changes often, so booking coordination is part of the service. Once an advertiser submits a brief, we check the listing status, confirm whether the space is still open and help align the campaign dates with the site owner’s terms. If the site is booked, we can advise on when it may be available again or suggest an alternative that fits the same area.
Renewals are managed in a practical way. If a campaign is due to continue, we check whether the listing is still active and whether the property owner wants to extend the same terms. This is useful for advertisers who want to keep a message in place without losing momentum, and for owners who want steady use of the space without admin piling up.
- Availability is checked before any commitment is made
- Booking dates are confirmed in writing through the process
- Renewal requests are handled before expiry where possible
- Alternative sites can be suggested if a listing is no longer open
Artwork checks, installation timing and site monitoring
Artwork has to fit the site properly and be practical to install. Before production, we can review the artwork size, bleed, crop lines and any special instructions for poles, seams or mounting points. This is especially important where the wall surface is uneven, the site is exposed to coastal humidity, or winter wind can affect installation timing. In busy areas like Braamfontein, Sandton or Midrand, access windows also need careful coordination.
Installation is scheduled around the site conditions and the agreed booking period. Once the display is up, campaign monitoring helps confirm that the space remains in place and that any issues are noted early. If a site needs attention because of weather, access or maintenance, we flag it so the advertiser and owner can respond quickly.
For property owners, site upkeep matters as much as the booking itself. A clean, safe and clearly accessible wall is easier to rent again, and it usually keeps the process simpler for everyone involved. Even small issues like loose fittings or blocked access can slow things down, so it pays to keep the space ready for use.
How to get help from our support team
If you are unsure where to begin, send an enquiry through the contact page and include the area, the space type and whether you are a property owner or advertiser. That helps us route the request to the right person. From there, the team can advise on listing setup, booking steps, consent guidance or the next action needed for your site or campaign.
Our Braamfontein base supports enquiries across Johannesburg, Pretoria, Cape Town, Durban and Bloemfontein, with coverage in surrounding areas such as Sandton and Midrand as well. Different requests are handled by the right team member, whether it is listing copy, property owner relations, marketplace operations, compliance or campaign logistics. Clear details up front make the reply quicker and easier to action.
- Use the contact page enquiry form
- State whether you are advertising or offering space
- Add the suburb or city and the site type
- Include photos if you already have them
- Mention any approval or timing concerns
