To whom this may concernI am in desperat...

Asked by the Customer on 15-02-2022 16:42:30
Question posted in the Property Law category relating to Gauteng

To whom this may concern

I am in desperate need for some legal advise.

I moved into a property, in 2020 November 01. I dealt with an agency, we viewed the house and I was happy to sign a lease.

Within a month the sewerage plumbing was giving me an issue, I called the agent who told me to call the landlord who asked me to source a plumber and obtain quotes. The property I am currently residing in has an issue with plumbing, the landlord and agency did not disclose this issue.

Later on the year, my electricity was switched off as the municipality claimed I was stealing electricity. I then went to the office and paid the fine including the outstanding amount owed to the municipality for backdated electricity. Upon moving to this address, the agent told me the electricity is connected directly and they will come and install a meter for us, another non-disclosure from the agent.

I have been sent monthly amounts on my rent owed, no invoices were issued. I had raised many issues with the landlord, all he asked me to do was source quotes.

December 2021, I sent a quote to the landlord, he refused to accept the quote and told me he has to get approval. The plumbing became worst, I currently live in a place that pushes up sewerage and condoms, dirt. The landlord asked me to call the municipality I called and sent a reference the landlord did not follow up.

January 2022, I was short on my rent as I had some unexpected financial crisis which I told the landlord and he showed no empathy and started getting angry with me, we then decided to meet, upon our meeting, the landlord agreed to sorting the issues in the house, I had also agreed to keep paying my rent on condition that the plumbing is sorted within 3 weeks. The landlord has still not sorted the plumbing out and cancelled my lease via email. I was then sent a letter from the lawyer that I should leave in 2 weeks. I am a 26 year old male, currently looking after my sister (who has her last year, grade 12) and my brother who currently was laid off due to Covid-19. My dad comes in now and again but I do not receive no financial support from either of them.

I do not want to continue living in this premises, but I cannot move within two weeks. I still have a R9050.00 deposit in this house. I will need no more than about 90 days to move out, what shall I do?

Regards

Zahir

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