Being ********** by Seeff Properties

Being treated unjustly and ********** by Rental Agents! So many of us go through it and because we don't know any better, we say nothing.A story about Seeff properties

Rented one of their properties. Upon moving out, it took them close to 2 MONTHS to refund my deposit. Imagine if I needed that money for a deposit for my next place? I would have been *****ed because NO DEPOSIT. NO MOVING IN. For 2 months I contacted them at least twice a week, and each time there was an excuse.

Now. Upon moved in. The place was dirty. The agent had said it would be cleaned. This was never done. Thus, would we expect that it would have been my obligation to clean the unit close to looking brand new upon moving out, when it was handed to me in a mess? No obligation stated in the lease agreement.

On the day I was scheduled to move out, the same agent did not inform the estate management that I was moving out - having known a month in advance. The estate would not permit my move because the agent had not submitted the relevant forms. Agents phone was off ALL MORNING.

Eventually, after the longest hassle I moved out 4 hours later. The agents phone, still off. Missed a flight that I was schedule to be on that afternoon. All because an agent couldn't do their job.

Now, I receive my deposit. Almost 2 months later. With a deduction of 33% for:

1) a minor carpet burn of less than 10cm that was there when I moved in. A carpet burn, that was caused by a previous tenant... I was made to pay for. All because an agent failed to do their job and make record of defaults of a property under their management. I asked for an invoice in this regard - it was presented to me as a clumsy handwritten piece of paper.

2) Cleaning. According to them, cleaning a 1 bedroom apartment costs R950. In what world? When domestic workers subscribe to a minimum wage - which in South Africa is R20 per hour i.e R160 per 8 hour working day.

We get treated unjustly and ********** all the time by these companies because of their lack of professionalism and greed. I urge you all to think twice before doing business with a company of this nature.