Stunning apartments for an affordable price? There is indeed a catch

1 star because 0 isn’t an option. I have never dealt with a rental company that made the financial side of renting feel this unnecessarily difficult. My experience with IQ Rentals has been one of repeated disputed charges, having to fight to get incorrect charges reversed, and an ongoing feeling that every possible opportunity is taken to deduct money from the tenant.

During my tenancy, I was charged fees for failed debit orders, which I disputed and had to repeatedly follow up on before these charges were addressed. This should not be something a tenant has to fight over.

Unfortunately, the problems did not end there. After moving out, I was charged R4,400 from my deposit for repainting the apartment. I disputed this deduction because the apartment was not freshly painted when I moved in, they still took my money, which I now have to do more fighting for by taking them to the Rental housing tribunal.

What has been particularly frustrating is the way these disputes have been handled. Rather than meaningfully addressing the evidence and concerns I raised, I have repeatedly had to push back against charges from management.

At this point, I have had enough.

A deposit is not a blank cheque, and tenants should not have to spend their time fighting to prevent disputed charges from being taken from them. I have retained the relevant correspondence, inspection reports and documentation and am taking the appropriate formal steps to have the outstanding dispute determined.

I am leaving this review because prospective tenants deserve to know what my experience has been. Read your lease carefully, document everything when you move in, take your own photographs and videos, keep every email, and scrutinise every charge on your account because Michiel and Michelle will tag team to make sure they Siphon you of your money.

My experience with IQ Rentals has been extremely disappointing, and I would not recommend them based on my experience.

★★★★★ for making me an expert in disputing rental charges and knowing my rights as a tenant. ★☆☆☆☆ for the actual rental experience.