Full Refund

I was a tenant at Manners Mansions under the Management of Jozi Housing in Jhb CBD since April 2003 until September 2017. I handed over the flat to Mr Daniel Ntuli whom was my co-tenant in January 2016 when I moved out, all relevant documentation was submitted to Jozi Housing as advised. In October 2017 Manners Mansions was being renovated and all tenants were moved to alternative accommodations. Mr Ntuli was moved to The Senator flat number:F0704.

On 20th March 2018 he submitted his termination of contract as he was relocating out of Jhb. End of April he was expecting a full refund of his deposit. On the 16th of May 2018 he followsed up on his refund which R3 579.90 and interest earned R 70.98 and was advised that Jozi Housing will deduct an amount of R2000 due to the painting that was done after he left and this was not communicated with him prior. Few questions arise in regards to this issue: 1. The contract did not state that a tenant needs to pay for the painting, it only states that the deposit will be used/deducted if there are any damages. To my understanding the painting is part of renovation that are done prior to a new tenant occupying the flat more over he was advised that he was only occupying the flat less than a year whereas I (Ncediwe) have been occupying the flat since 2003 and no painting has ever taken place from then until 2017 when I left. 2.The entry-exit inventory inspection was done without Mr Daniel's signature, which means he was not informed and was not aware of any inspections hence there is no signature from him on the document. 3.After the Jozi housing made a decision to deduct from mr Ntuli's deposit, he was not contacted for consultation so that he can understand why he will not get a full refund. Also to give him an opportunity to discuss and agree to the terms of this termination. This only means that he did not agree to the deduction of his deposit then how can this be finalised without his consent or acknowledgement? I (Ncediwe) went to the Jozi Housing offices on the 28th May2018 hoping to resolve this matter and I spoke to Jacky then she referred me to her supervisor called Grace. Both could not assist and referred me to their senior whom also could not assist. I was at their offices from 11:00 am until 14:45. I then went to seek legal advice, while I was there I received a call from the supervisor whom advised me that they have reviewed the matter with Mike (caretaker) and realised that they made a mistake and that they will only deduct R1050 instead of the R2000. But still my question is why should I pay for the renovations of the flay that I stayed in for 14 years without any painting that was done? And as mentioned before this was not stated on the contract that I signed.

The only assistance I need is to get my full refund as I am being unfairly charged.

Thank you Ncediwe Ivy Mndwetywa