Deposit *******

2 years ago I decided to rent a unit against my better judgement, from Smile Properties. I was apprehensive due to the long list of unpleasant complaints I saw on Hellopeter, but I was also desperate, I took the place on offer until my contract came to an end in December 2017. Inspection was carried out on 27 December 2017. I was supposed to receive my deposit back after deductions were made for any damage to the property as well as inspection and cleaning costs. I wasn't burning a brazier in the unit for them to demand an amount of R1799 for painting, this was an exorbitant cost that they are trying to pass on to me saying that I requested that the unit be painted. I had received a call from their maintenance office requesting that I avail myself to open for the painter, I know that my lease agreement explicitly says I need to give access to the landlord on request....I did exactly that, I asked for time off from work and waited for the painter. He painted the unit and I was asked to rate his service, I did just that. Now the story has been switched, and I'm the one who allegedly requested that the unit be painted. I have no authority to demand such from an agent and also since they even failed to fix my door handle when I requested that they do (a week after moving in), I lowered my expectations and did not contact them until the pipes started leaking and causing damage to my clothes and shoes. I've also been charged for a striker plate in the garage R80, I had to google what that is, why am I replacing that? I found the garage exactly like I left it, dirty, stained with a door that needed to be jimmied before unlocking. Why am I paying R760 for call out, labour and travel? What is the R1799 for? NEVER EVER EVER consider Smile Property, they are rude, cold and will rip you off...a bunch of *******!!