San Ridge Heights, Noordwyk, Midrand, South Africa falsely charging us for maintenance costs of R4850 which do not qualify as a deduction from our initial deposit of R6600, and have no supporting documentation (invoices, quotations) to substantiate the co

We recently moved out of our apartment at unit 353, San Ridge Heights, Noordwyk, Midrand on 31 August 2019. Upon vacating the premises, an out-inspection was performed of which it was determined that repainting of the lounge, bedroom 1 and bedroom 2 as well as the bath room ceiling needed to be done. No damages were identified in this regard, and therefore it it reasonable to conclude that the costs for repaint are due to normal wear and tear of the paint deteriorating over time, and as such, these costs are not borne by the tenant(s) and should not be deducted from the deposit amount. Through inspection of their lease agreement, the following substantiates the above-mentioned claim, in accordance to clause 2.1.1 and 14.5 - "2.11. “Fair Wear and Tear” means any decline which results from ordinary use and exposure over time, including breakage or malfunction due to age or deteriorated condition, but not where such decline results from negligence, carelessness, accidents, or abuse by the Tenant or the Tenant's visitors;" "14.5. The Landlord shall be entitled to: 14.5.1. deduct money from the Deposit to repair any damage caused to the Premises; and 14.5.2. charge the Tenant for any amount over and above the value of the Deposit, if the cost of repairing the damage amounts to more than the total amount of the Deposit."

Our initial deposit was R6600, however, we were charged a total of R4850 for repainting of the apartment, of which no third party invoices were provided to us in order for us to assess how they came to the total cost of R4850. The maintenance cost of R4850 was determined by the landlord, through submission of a job card as follows: Repainting of lounge: R1200; Repainting of bedroom 1: R1200; Repainting of bedroom 2: R1200; Repainting of bathroom ceiling R350 and Labour: R900. We then noted that the job card which was submitted to us was dated 31 May 2019, of which an out-inspection was performed on the day we moved out which was 31 August 2019.

We do not understand how they were able to calculate the maintenance costs as we were tenants during 31 May 2019. We neither had intentions of moving out nor did we request for an agent to come and inspect the apartment during the period of 31 May 2019. Furthermore, they have failed to provide us with adequate their party receipts detailing the costs of paint and any equipment purchased by them in order to repaint the apartment.

We then requested that they pay us the full deposit as their cost determination documentation fails to explain how repainting of the apartment would amount to R4850.

We have been going back and forth with these landlords and have received a response from them that they will not be refunding the amount of R4850.

If anyone is able to assist us with this regard please contact me on my email account which is ***.

I would highly appreciate the assistance as we feel as though we are being ********** and de*****ed by the landlords.