Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa on Tuesday rejected media reports that he is in arrears for rent for his official residence.

Mthethwa had noted the "misleading and image-tarnishing remarks" about his alleged non-payment of rent, his office said in a statement.

"The minister refutes these allegations as reported in a parliamentary reply by the department of public works and subsequent media reports."

The ministry received a letter from the public works department on May 26, advising of outstanding rental at the minister's official residence in Cape Town.

The amount reflected at the time was R13 655,77, apparently for the months of January and February 2010 respectively.

Mthethwa's office immediately contacted public works to ascertain the merits of this alleged outstanding amount, as well as seeking clarity on why this issue was not raised with the minister for all these months.

"According to proof documents at the ministry's disposal, that is the minister's salary advice, a monthly amount has been deducted from the time he was appointed, each month without fail," it said.

The SA Police Service salary administration and finance team was also tasked to look into the matter and provide feedback to the minister.

It was then reported that certain rental adjustments were made from time to time based on yearly salary increases of ministers.

The team then assured the minister this was accordingly addressed with the public works team dealing with accommodation administration.

"It would be premature to speculate on why the minister was listed as a defaulter, whether it was system error or the fault of the people who are tasked with administrating such processes.

"Whichever the reason, Minister Mthethwa remains confident that these will be rectified."

Mthethwa would fulfil his commitments as a responsible citizen, including paying without fail, his rental obligations, the ministry said.