Bullying Behaviour by Just Property's Debt Collection Agency

Dear All,

I would like to ask advice about a Debt Collection Agency utilized by a Just Property branch which shall remain nameless for now. We owe arrears in terms of a deposit. A large amount has already been deducted. The Landlord has refused to accept the R500 per month we currently can afford to pay and is demanding a R1000 or else we will be handed over. We are facing economic problems due to retrenchment and having only one family member as the breadwinner. The Just Property branch and the landlord were supposed to provide proof of receipts for the damages they plan to repair. They did not do so and are in contravention of the Rental Housing Act. We pointed this out to them. They handed us over to a Debt Collection Agency and the extremely rude representative said they dont have time to run around for quotes and receipts and the landlord will make the repairs and then only provide receipts. She said she will hand us over for not being able to pay a R1000, BUT we did offer R500,00 which is really all we can afford right now. What are our rights as consumers in this regard???? This is bordering on harrassment and bullying!!!! Please help! We feel we are being victimized for not being able to pay more. We did offer to up the amount to a R1000,00 when our finances improve and I have secured a job too. Surely this is grossly unfair!