Misleading Rentals
- Mar 14, 2023
- 2 min read
Photo: Roger Starnes Sr (Unsplash)
We have received several requests to highlight the plight of tenants and while we cannot address all the issues in this article, we will highlight a few pertinent problems.
Many tenants are unaware of their rights and those of the landlord. Both parties are protected under the Rental Housing Act (RHA) and any violations are subject to a fine or imprisonment and liability for damages incurred.
Tenants have raised the issue about old or doctored photographs being used on property rental portals to showcase homes. On arriving to view these properties prospective tenants find that the properties are filthy and require maintenance and repairs and have very little in common with the photographs. In some instances, the misleading photographs were for completely different properties which were not up for rental.
Some prospective tenants have reported that the agents promise that the repairs and deep cleaning will be attended to and they proceed to lease the properties with the expectation of moving into a well kept and clean home, only to be disappointed. One of the main excuses being offered is that the landlord cannot afford to attend to the maintenance or repairs and in one instance the tenant was asked to pay a month’s rental in advance so that the landlord could attend to it.
Concerningly for our democracy is the issue of racism that has reared its ugly head. Certain properties are showcased for Whites while others are reserved for Blacks. The Property Practitioners Regulatory Authority (PPRA) is hosting a survey on its website at https://theppra.org.za/survey/racism
If you experienced racism when trying to rent or a buy a property or are being deliberately misled, please contact the PPRA to lodge a complaint and complete the survey.
Remember to check that the Estate Agent you are dealing with is registered with the PPRA and that they have paid their Fidelity Fund deposit. Compare your lease agreement to the RHA and Consumer Protection Act before signing.
© Pecanwood Corruption Watch
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