1 reviews | Active since Aug 2024
Unprofessional & Dismissive Handling of Rent Increase
I am extremely disappointed with Ithemba Property Management and how they’ve handled my complaint regarding an unexplained rent increase.
My rent was increased **WITHOUT any formal notice. I have spent MORE THAN A MONTH going back and forth with their staff (specifically Sophie), who has been completely unhelpful and dismissive throughout the process. Every time I ask for proof of communication, I’m referred to vague messages or a screenshot that was only sent *after* I raised the issue — NOT beforehand. I never received an email, letter, let alone an app notification (which I do not believe is a proper communication platform for an NEW lease agreement) about the increase, yet I’m expected to just accept it?
What’s worse is that instead of checking their system (which they clearly have access to), they close my query unresolved and continue shifting the blame without actually proving anything. This is not only unprofessional — it’s borderline *********. I am constantly going back and forth between Nelly the building manager who knows nothing half the time and Sophie who can’t bother to do the due diligence on the “increase notification” that was “sent”.
As we speak today is the 25th of July and today was the first time I saw communication regarding my rent that increased on the 1 of June. Let’s not even speak about crazy utilities they charge to live in a match box. Tenants deserve clear communication and accountability, not passive-aggressive runarounds. If this is how they treat tenants with legitimate concerns, I can only imagine how other issues are being buried.
I’ll be escalating this to the Rental Housing Tribunal if I don’t get answers. Avoid them if you expect transparency or respect!
Apologies for the inconveniences this issue might have caused, we understand that the increase in costs can be frustrating, and we want to ensure everything is clear.
Rental increases annually. We wanted to take a moment to give a clear explanation regarding the recent rent adjustment. While we did not send a separate notice ahead of time, we’d like to kindly clarify that the annual rent increase is outlined in your lease agreement (under clause 9.6.1). By signing the lease, this provision was acknowledged as part of the terms.
That said, we sincerely apologize for the lack of prior communication on our part. We truly value clear and timely communication, and we understand how important it is to be kept informed. Moving forward, we will make sure to provide advance notice as a courtesy, even when the terms are already stated in the lease.
As highlighted in recent news, property levies across South Africa—particularly in sectional title schemes—were expected to rise in July 2025 due to legislative and municipal changes. The STSMA and CSOSA require bodies corporate to maintain specific funds, and municipalities have adjusted property rates for the new financial year.
These increases affect all properties, including Ithemba. Please note that a notice regarding this utilities increases was shared on 2nd of June 2025 on the App under Building News, with changes effective from the July statement.
Additionally we would like to apologize for the treatment received from the people that were assisting you. We will ensure that we address these matters for improved service.
Thank you for your understanding.
Warm regards
Apologies for the inconveniences this issue might have caused, we understand that the increase in costs can be frustrating, and we want to ensure everything is clear.
Rental increases annually. We wanted to take a moment to give a clear explanation regarding the recent rent adjustment. While we did not send a separate notice ahead of time, we’d like to kindly clarify that the annual rent increase is outlined in your lease agreement (under clause 9.6.1). By signing the lease, this provision was acknowledged as part of the terms.
That said, we sincerely apologize for the lack of prior communication on our part. We truly value clear and timely communication, and we understand how important it is to be kept informed. Moving forward, we will make sure to provide advance notice as a courtesy, even when the terms are already stated in the lease.
As highlighted in recent news, property levies across South Africa—particularly in sectional title schemes—were expected to rise in July 2025 due to legislative and municipal changes. The STSMA and CSOSA require bodies corporate to maintain specific funds, and municipalities have adjusted property rates for the new financial year.
These increases affect all properties, including Ithemba. Please note that a notice regarding this utilities increases was shared on 2nd of June 2025 on the App under Building News, with changes effective from the July statement.
Additionally we would like to apologize for the treatment received from the people that were assisting you. We will ensure that we address these matters for improved service.
Thank you for your understanding.
Warm regards