1 reviews | Active since Nov 2024
Ongoing Issues with Airbnb Units at Blyde Riverwalk
I am writing to express my concerns regarding the ongoing issues with ******* Airbnb units in the Blyde Riverwalk Estate. I chose to rent a new unit here, fully aware that the new blocks being constructed were not permitted to operate as Airbnbs. Unfortunately, this has not been the case, as my section appears to have the highest concentration of these units, many of which operate *******ly.
Since moving in, I have felt as though I am living in a circus. As a student at UNISA, the noise and disruptions caused by these units have made it extremely challenging for me to study. Despite my efforts to address these issues, when complaints were lodged with Balwin, the response has consistently been to shift the blame to Landsdowne, insisting that all complaints must go through them. Unfortunately, Landsdowne has proven incapable of resolving these matters.
I have sent numerous messages and emails and participated in multiple meetings, yet there has been no effective action taken. The Estate Manager previously indicated via email that they would report the matter to CSOS, but I have yet to receive any confirmation regarding this.
I can't shake the feeling that I have been misled, as it appears that no formal complaints have been lodged. It seems that either Balwin or Landsdowne is prioritizing the protection of these ******* Airbnbs over the well-being of the residents. I am not alone in my frustrations; other residents, including a friend of mine, have also voiced complaints. My friend even suggested to Balwin that a separation of Airbnbs from regular residents would be beneficial, but this proposal was rejected due to cost concerns.
It feels as though Balwin would rather save money than ensure the safety and comfort of its residents.
I would like to know if others have experienced similar issues with Balwin or Landsdowne and their apparent lack of empathy in resolving these matters?
Moreover, I would like to bring to your attention the directive issued by the Community Schemes Ombud Service (CSOS) on May 6, 2021, which explicitly prohibited any business activities from occurring within the apartments. I am prepared to share this CSOS directive upon request. It appears contradictory that Balwin has previously allowed Airbnb operations in direct violation of this directive, and now seeks CSOS intervention to rectify the fallout of these earlier actions. This inconsistency is quite troubling.
You mentioned that CSOS has been engaged in relation to the complaints relevant to this situation. I formally request that Balwin provide evidence supporting this claim, including reference numbers for any complaints lodged with CSOS. It is my belief that no such complaints have been filed, and therefore, I request clarification on this matter.
Additionally, you indicated ongoing discussions with the agent representing the owner of my apartment. This assertion contradicts the owner's express disappointment regarding the management of this situation, as stated in their written communication to the Estate Manager. The owner's request for a virtual meeting and for direct contact details of senior management has also not been addressed.
As a student, the noise levels resulting from the ongoing Airbnb operations have hindered my ability to study. Had I been aware of the presence of short-term rentals prior to moving in, I would have chosen not to rent this apartment. Consequently, I have to travel to Bronkhorstspruit to study as i cannot enjoy my own home in peace. I believe compensation for my losses related to rental payments is warranted, as well as the termination of my lease, given Balwin's failure to adequately address the ongoing Airbnb issue.
Lastly, I must emphasize that Balwin should have awaited the resolution of the legal processes before entering into new agreements. The lack of disclosure regarding these pending disputes misled new tenants, including myself, leading to agreements that have proven untenable. The mixing of residential and commercial uses in such close proximity is, in my view, unreasonable and unfair to all residents. If Balwin intended to allow Airbnb rentals, it should have designated separate areas for such activities.
Moreover, I would like to bring to your attention the directive issued by the Community Schemes Ombud Service (CSOS) on May 6, 2021, which explicitly prohibited any business activities from occurring within the apartments. I am prepared to share this CSOS directive upon request. It appears contradictory that Balwin has previously allowed Airbnb operations in direct violation of this directive, and now seeks CSOS intervention to rectify the fallout of these earlier actions. This inconsistency is quite troubling.
You mentioned that CSOS has been engaged in relation to the complaints relevant to this situation. I formally request that Balwin provide evidence supporting this claim, including reference numbers for any complaints lodged with CSOS. It is my belief that no such complaints have been filed, and therefore, I request clarification on this matter.
Additionally, you indicated ongoing discussions with the agent representing the owner of my apartment. This assertion contradicts the owner's express disappointment regarding the management of this situation, as stated in their written communication to the Estate Manager. The owner's request for a virtual meeting and for direct contact details of senior management has also not been addressed.
As a student, the noise levels resulting from the ongoing Airbnb operations have hindered my ability to study. Had I been aware of the presence of short-term rentals prior to moving in, I would have chosen not to rent this apartment. Consequently, I have to travel to Bronkhorstspruit to study as i cannot enjoy my own home in peace. I believe compensation for my losses related to rental payments is warranted, as well as the termination of my lease, given Balwin's failure to adequately address the ongoing Airbnb issue.
Lastly, I must emphasize that Balwin should have awaited the resolution of the legal processes before entering into new agreements. The lack of disclosure regarding these pending disputes misled new tenants, including myself, leading to agreements that have proven untenable. The mixing of residential and commercial uses in such close proximity is, in my view, unreasonable and unfair to all residents. If Balwin intended to allow Airbnb rentals, it should have designated separate areas for such activities.