City Property Refuses to Correct Invalid R6000 Charge, Damaging My Credit Despite My Unemployment

To Whom It May Concern at City Property Management,

I am writing to escalate a severe and ongoing issue regarding my final account (Account No: 105830) for my former rental at 0207 Vuselela Place. Despite my numerous attempts to resolve this matter amicably, I have been met with silence, automatic responses, and a refusal to correct a bill that includes charges I am not liable for.

The Core Issue: An Invalid "Fair Wear and Tear" Charge

My tenancy ended on 30 June 2025 after FIVE YEARS of residence. City Property has included a charge of approximately R6,000 for painting, claiming it is damage. After such a long tenancy, repainting is considered standard "fair wear and tear," which is the landlord's responsibility for general maintenance, not the tenant's. I have consistently disputed this invalid charge, providing my reasoning in multiple emails.

Complete Breakdown in Communication

· I have sent several detailed emails proposing a resolution and requesting a corrected invoice that removes this unfair charge. · The only consistent response I receive are automated system-generated statements. · My attempts to get a human response or a formal acknowledgment of my dispute have been ignored. · Instead of engaging with me, they have sent a "Notice of Default" for the full amount, which includes this disputed charge, and are threatening to list me with credit bureaus.

My Current Dire Financial Hardship

To be perfectly clear: I am currently unemployed. I resigned from my previous position due to medical reasons, and my former employer is refusing to complete my UIF documentation. I have a pending CCMA case (Case No: GAJB20288-25) scheduled for 5 November 2025 to resolve this.

· I have no income. · My access to UIF benefits is being *******ly blocked by my ex-employer. · I cannot commit to any payment plan until my CCMA case is resolved and my UIF payments begin.

Despite this, I have expressed my willingness to pay the undisputed portion of the account once I am financially able. However, I cannot and will not agree to pay for a R6000 painting charge that is not my responsibility.

The Impact on My Life

The most damaging part of this is that City Property's refusal to correct the invoice is now actively harming my credit score. Because the bill is inflated with invalid charges, I cannot make a payment against it without appearing to acknowledge the debt in full. This deadlock is unfairly labelling me as a delinquent debtor, which will affect my ability to secure future housing, loans, or even employment.

My Pleas to City Property

1. Immediately Correct the Invoice: Remove the R6000 painting charge and all other charges related to fair wear and tear. 2. Formally Acknowledge the Dispute: Provide me with a corrected statement reflecting only the valid, undisputed charges. 3. Correct my ITC/Credit Profile: Halt any default listing and remove any existing negative marks related to this disputed account. 4. Communicate: Once a correct invoice is provided, and after my CCMA case is concluded, I am willing to discuss a payment plan for the valid arrears based on my new financial reality.

I am sharing screenshots of my last email interactions to show my repeated good-faith efforts to resolve this, which have been ignored.

I have run out of options. I need City Property's senior management to intervene, correct this invoice, and stop the financial damage they are causing me. Please help me get someone to listen.