Never Ever sign a lease agreement with Trafalgar

Please don’t ever get into a lease agreement with Trafalgar property management. On the 29th of April I gave notice to be released from my lease. They came back to say the lease agreement says no less than 1 month and no more than 2 months rental penalty. I paid for May asked them to take June rental off my deposit. My understanding was then end of June I’m done and I can move on. And on top of this the unit has been unoccupied since the start of lockdown as I moved in with my parents for help and support with my 2 minor children which I made Trafalgar aware of. The portfolio manager and junior portfolio manager never questioned July or how I would cover this. They knew very well based on my emails that I am expecting my last rental to be for the month of June. End of June they come back with damages and repairs and the cheapest quote they give me is R6000. I opted to have the work done with a preferred contractor instead which costed me R3000. When I confirm what was done ask when the balance of my deposit will be paid, they then tell me I’m liable for July Rental!!! After I refused this and asked them for proof that they informed me of July they come with another story and their next excuse is that the workmanship isn’t up to standard. This disgusting company has made it so obviously clear that they are trying everything they can to not pay me the balance of my deposit. The level of excuses in every email to me over these last 2 days is pathetic. First the damages bill was R6000. Then R1800 and now it’s needing to be inspected again and re-quoted. Things they had taken off the original damages list where put back on and new damages also now on the list. This company has contradicted themselves on numerous occasions making it even more obvious that they are making excuses to not pay me the balance of my deposit. When I moved into the unit 2 years ago it was dirty and there was so much work they had not done. I had to have the previous tenants rubble removed. The outside fencing blew off in winter and all they did was put the same rotten wood back up. It then blew over in the 2nd winter and the Lack of communication when I asked for it to be fixed was appalling. It’s disgusting how they are holding me accountable for stuff that wasn’t even done by them before I moved in. No matter how much you may love a house or apartment, if Trafalgar is the rental agent DO NOT sign with them. They will take complete advantage of the fact that they are sitting with your deposit and they will find every excuse not to pay it back to you.