Question posted in the General Law category relating to Eastern Cape
Good day,
End of June 2020 I paid over a R13000.00 deposit for a Rental Property I was interested in renting with occupation starting 1st August 2020.I did this as the Agent informed me that if I want to secure the property I need to pay it immediately as there are other interested tenants. The agreed terms were:
R13000.00 per month which will include water and then R1500.00 per month for Electricity. Thus Total R14500.00 per month. After I paid over the deposit I asked for the contract on numouras occasions, this was not forthcoming (note the agent was apperantly in Hospital) and eventuall y i was instructed to meet with the owner on the 25th of July to finalise the cotact. During our meeting I was informed that the new terms are:
R13000.00 per month of which R1000.00 will be allocated towards water costs, everything above this is for our own account and Electricity remains at R1500.00 but I will also be liable for the total Utility charges from the municipality with exception of the Rates and Taxes. They could not give me a definite amount but gave me an estimate of R+/- 1500.00 - R2000.00 per month.
Based on these new terms I cannot afford the property and informed them as such. They now refuse to pay back my deposit stating that they have reserved the property for me and now dont have tenants for it.
Do I have a rigth to claim my deposit. Note that I have not taken accopancy of the propoerty.
Message from the Lawyer
Hi there,
I see that you haven't made a payment for the question, but I'm going to assist you a little. If you want to ask a follow-up question, please make the required payment.
Yes, you DEFINITELY have the right to claim your deposit back!
You need to go see the Housing Rental Tribunal and lay a complaint with them against the landlord. Tell them the full story and they will assist you in getting the deposit back.
Att. Patrick
Please remember this is a dialog if you have follow-up questions please make the required payment, then use the REPLY button and ask your further question. I would like to continue assisting you, but I need to concentrate on people who make payments for their questions.