AVOID AFHCO AT ALL COSTS

I genuinely struggle to put into words how poor my experience with AFHCO was, but I will try.

My nightmare started when I was informed via email that my lease had been cancelled with no clear explanation. When I contacted the listed representative, the interaction was unprofessional and dismissive, and I was given information that did not align with the written communication I had received.

I immediately emailed AFHCO marked “URGENT”, explaining that I could not move out without my deposit, as I needed it to secure alternative accommodation after being forced out on short notice. I never received a response. Shortly afterwards, I received an email asking me to rate their customer service, despite having received no resolution or support.

During the move-out process, we also experienced unhelpful and dismissive interactions when requesting basic assistance, while being told we would be charged for items despite attempting to leave the unit in a better condition. AFHCO then attempted to charge me R800 for items that were already recorded as faulty or missing on my move-in inspection report. After three weeks of repeated follow-ups, these charges were eventually removed, but only after significant delay, stress, and a lack of clear communication.

Throughout this process, I was repeatedly told that the call centre could not make outgoing calls and could only communicate via email to management. Despite this, my wife later received a direct phone call from AFHCO, which contradicted what I had been told, and after giving them my number again, I was still not called. Resolving even basic queries required constant follow-ups over several weeks.

I was also mistakenly sent another tenant’s private information and inspection documents on more than one occasion. When this was raised, I was advised to delete the emails and contact customer service again.

In addition, I experienced inconsistencies in how cases were handled, including situations where other tenants appeared to receive deposit refunds before mine, despite moving out later.

Although AFHCO’s policy states deposits should be refunded within 7 to 21 working days, I only received mine at the very end of the 21st working day – and only after repeated daily follow-ups to ensure the matter was not overlooked. Even then, I did not receive a clear breakdown of deductions or interest on the deposit.

This entire process caused significant stress and frustration. I have never experienced customer service this poor or inconsistent.

I am not someone who usually leaves reviews, but this experience left me with no alternative. I would strongly caution anyone considering renting through AFHCO not to do so. Based on my experience, expect poor communication, limited accountability, and a difficult process to resolve even basic issues.

I would not recommend AFHCO under any circumstances.