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Angy Angy.vandeventer
1 reviews | Active since Feb 2023
04 Jun 2025, 11:08
0 stars - Dispute with Balwin Properties over Unfair Deposit Deductions
0 stars - Dispute with Balwin Properties over Unfair Deposit Deductions
I'm writing to warn others about my horrific experience with Balwin Properties, specifically at Greenpark Eco Estate in Boksburg. After moving out on of unit 220, I was shocked to receive a letter after waiting 19days stating they'd deduct R6250 from my deposit to repaint 10 walls, 4 skirting boards, and 1 door. This is despite me leaving the unit spotless, including washing the walls myself.
The inspection revealed they were repainting the entire unit, including the roof, which non of this was even necessary. No prior notice was given, and I wasn't offered the chance to address any issues. Given their in-house repair team, I'm suspicious about the justification for these charges.
I've contacted the housing tribunal and plan to open a case in small claims court. Potential tenants, be cautious of their advertised prices and terms. Research, ask questions, and document everything.
Advice to potential tenants: Carefully review contracts, document unit condition before moving out, and seek clarification on potential charges. Be very careful with the warning and fine. It may seem kid friendly but it is not!
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Replies (3)
Balwin Properties's replyOfficial
11 Jun 2025, 13:48 Hello Angelique
Thank you for your review. We appreciate your feedback and would like to take this opportunity to clarify the matter in the interest of full transparency and accuracy.
According to our records, your lease ran from 29 June 2024 to 31 July 2025, although you vacated the unit earlier, on 30 April 2025. Prior to your occupation, the apartment was freshly painted to meet our required quality standards.
Upon your departure, an official exit inspection was conducted. As you were unable to attend in person, a family member authorised by you was present on your behalf. During this inspection, several items were noted to be damaged, including a drawer, the bottom panel of the sink cupboard, and the bedroom light fitting. The entire sink cupboard was replaced, and these issues were documented accordingly. As per your request, we shared invoices for all applicable charges to ensure transparency.
With regard to the repainting, we can confirm that the ceiling was repainted at our discretion and was not charged to you. The painting deductions relate only to the walls and surfaces that required touch-ups due to their post-occupancy condition. The repainting was conducted based on the findings of the exit inspection and in line with standard lease terms.
It is also important to note that most lease agreements, including yours, contain clauses stating that apartments must be returned in the same condition as received, allowing for reasonable wear and tear. In this case, the condition of the walls and skirtings required intervention beyond that scope
Note that despite your early departure, we took proactive steps to secure a new tenant, helping you avoid penalties typically associated with early lease termination.
Maintaining high-quality rental homes and upholding professional standards remains a priority in all our dealings. We value clear communication and fairness, with a continued commitment to improvement wherever possible. Our decisions are therefore always made with integrity, supported by documentation, and aligned with contractual obligations, ensuring a transparent and responsible approach for all residents..
Should you wish to engage further or require any additional clarity, we encourage you to reach out to our customer care team directly.
Kind regards
Balwin
Kind regards
Balwin
Balwin Properties's reply11 Jun 2025, 13:48
Official
Hello Angelique
Thank you for your review. We appreciate your feedback and would like to take this opportunity to clarify the matter in the interest of full transparency and accuracy.
According to our records, your lease ran from 29 June 2024 to 31 July 2025, although you vacated the unit earlier, on 30 April 2025. Prior to your occupation, the apartment was freshly painted to meet our required quality standards.
Upon your departure, an official exit inspection was conducted. As you were unable to attend in person, a family member authorised by you was present on your behalf. During this inspection, several items were noted to be damaged, including a drawer, the bottom panel of the sink cupboard, and the bedroom light fitting. The entire sink cupboard was replaced, and these issues were documented accordingly. As per your request, we shared invoices for all applicable charges to ensure transparency.
With regard to the repainting, we can confirm that the ceiling was repainted at our discretion and was not charged to you. The painting deductions relate only to the walls and surfaces that required touch-ups due to their post-occupancy condition. The repainting was conducted based on the findings of the exit inspection and in line with standard lease terms.
It is also important to note that most lease agreements, including yours, contain clauses stating that apartments must be returned in the same condition as received, allowing for reasonable wear and tear. In this case, the condition of the walls and skirtings required intervention beyond that scope
Note that despite your early departure, we took proactive steps to secure a new tenant, helping you avoid penalties typically associated with early lease termination.
Maintaining high-quality rental homes and upholding professional standards remains a priority in all our dealings. We value clear communication and fairness, with a continued commitment to improvement wherever possible. Our decisions are therefore always made with integrity, supported by documentation, and aligned with contractual obligations, ensuring a transparent and responsible approach for all residents..
Should you wish to engage further or require any additional clarity, we encourage you to reach out to our customer care team directly.
Kind regards
Balwin
Kind regards
Balwin
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Angy Angy.vandeventer's updateReviewer Update
11 Jun 2025, 15:41Good day
I would like to state that my early departure has absolutely nothing to do with my deposit!
As stated on numerous emails that *I* took proactive step and did all the work, contacted all the agents myself to make sure there is a new tenant and also stated that i would not leave unless there were new tenants!!
My problem is most defiantly not the things I am liable for but the OUTRAGUSE amount charged to repaint even thought according to me and the inspection sheet provided from your agent 4 week after the inspection was done that repainting was NOT necessary as you stated the unit was repainted before I moved in so do you repaint after every tenant?
ALSO it was made clear that i wasn't able to attended but yet nothing of any damages was communicated to me until 19 days after moving out even though i asked so many times for an update!
Your charging rates are OUTRAGUSE and the people need to know before renting from you!!
You are charging me R6250.00 + R400.00 "cleaning after painting" to repaint 10 walls 10 skirtings and 1 door... no wonder you can afford to repaint the roof! Had I been informed that there needed to be repainting done I would of gladly repainted myself and used MUCH less but that was not once communicated !!
I would like to state that my early departure has absolutely nothing to do with my deposit!
As stated on numerous emails that *I* took proactive step and did all the work, contacted all the agents myself to make sure there is a new tenant and also stated that i would not leave unless there were new tenants!!
My problem is most defiantly not the things I am liable for but the OUTRAGUSE amount charged to repaint even thought according to me and the inspection sheet provided from your agent 4 week after the inspection was done that repainting was NOT necessary as you stated the unit was repainted before I moved in so do you repaint after every tenant?
ALSO it was made clear that i wasn't able to attended but yet nothing of any damages was communicated to me until 19 days after moving out even though i asked so many times for an update!
Your charging rates are OUTRAGUSE and the people need to know before renting from you!!
You are charging me R6250.00 + R400.00 "cleaning after painting" to repaint 10 walls 10 skirtings and 1 door... no wonder you can afford to repaint the roof! Had I been informed that there needed to be repainting done I would of gladly repainted myself and used MUCH less but that was not once communicated !!
AA
Angy Angy.vandeventer's update11 Jun 2025, 15:41
Reviewer Update
Good day
I would like to state that my early departure has absolutely nothing to do with my deposit!
As stated on numerous emails that *I* took proactive step and did all the work, contacted all the agents myself to make sure there is a new tenant and also stated that i would not leave unless there were new tenants!!
My problem is most defiantly not the things I am liable for but the OUTRAGUSE amount charged to repaint even thought according to me and the inspection sheet provided from your agent 4 week after the inspection was done that repainting was NOT necessary as you stated the unit was repainted before I moved in so do you repaint after every tenant?
ALSO it was made clear that i wasn't able to attended but yet nothing of any damages was communicated to me until 19 days after moving out even though i asked so many times for an update!
Your charging rates are OUTRAGUSE and the people need to know before renting from you!!
You are charging me R6250.00 + R400.00 "cleaning after painting" to repaint 10 walls 10 skirtings and 1 door... no wonder you can afford to repaint the roof! Had I been informed that there needed to be repainting done I would of gladly repainted myself and used MUCH less but that was not once communicated !!
I would like to state that my early departure has absolutely nothing to do with my deposit!
As stated on numerous emails that *I* took proactive step and did all the work, contacted all the agents myself to make sure there is a new tenant and also stated that i would not leave unless there were new tenants!!
My problem is most defiantly not the things I am liable for but the OUTRAGUSE amount charged to repaint even thought according to me and the inspection sheet provided from your agent 4 week after the inspection was done that repainting was NOT necessary as you stated the unit was repainted before I moved in so do you repaint after every tenant?
ALSO it was made clear that i wasn't able to attended but yet nothing of any damages was communicated to me until 19 days after moving out even though i asked so many times for an update!
Your charging rates are OUTRAGUSE and the people need to know before renting from you!!
You are charging me R6250.00 + R400.00 "cleaning after painting" to repaint 10 walls 10 skirtings and 1 door... no wonder you can afford to repaint the roof! Had I been informed that there needed to be repainting done I would of gladly repainted myself and used MUCH less but that was not once communicated !!
AA
Angy Angy.vandeventer's updateReviewer Update
10 Jul 2025, 09:11Unfortunately, Your rental department is mistaken as i have not received anything yet as we are still in the process with the rental housing tribunal!
AA
Angy Angy.vandeventer's update10 Jul 2025, 09:11
Reviewer Update
Unfortunately, Your rental department is mistaken as i have not received anything yet as we are still in the process with the rental housing tribunal!