Trafalgar Property Management – A complete abdication of duty, persistent deflection, and a total disregard for their legal and contractual responsibilities

My Fiancé and I rented Unit 114, Hanse Cape Village in Vredehoek, Cape Town (managed by Trafalgar Property Management) from 1 September 2024 to 31 August 2025.

A textbook example of how not to manage a property.

From day one we reported major issues: a leaking geyser, mold in the bathroom and cupboards, poor ventilation, peeling paint, broken doors, unsafe paving, garden neglect, etc. Despite detailed emails and photo proof, nothing was properly attended to.

We cleaned and neatened the entire complex's gardens as well as some interior ourselves — our own money, our own equipment, our own time — because Trafalgar couldn't be bothered. To date, we’ve received no recognition from them whatsoever. And while we didn’t do it for praise, a simple acknowledgment would have been nice — especially considering we stepped in to do work they should be handling themselves, and are likely being compensated for. Frankly, they should be ashamed.

Trash lay in the driveway for months on end, only to be hastily cleared when new possible tenants came for viewings. Real tenants paying full rent? Ignored.

The lease ended 31 August 2025 and inspection was done on 2 September. Still, we have not been refunded our R30,000.00 deposit, nor have we been compensated for R3,499.00 worth of mold-damaged items. No interest breakdown, no inspection report as promised.

We have met every obligation of our lease, maintained the rental unit in excellent condition, and have extensive records of communication showing how Trafalgar has consistently failed to uphold basic standards of property management.

This is not just poor management — it's a complete lack of accountability.

Their repeated excuses about the “owner’s approval” or “budget constraints” do not relieve Trafalgar of its responsibilities under South African law. They are the appointed property managers. They have legal duties under the Rental Housing Act 50 of 1999 and the Consumer Protection Act 68 of 2008 to provide safe, habitable housing and to return deposits within 14 days of lease termination — not “when convenient.”

Summary of our extensive communication:

15 October 2024: Initial detailed report of major defects, mold, poor painting, broken infrastructure, and garden neglect. Numerous photos and specific suggestions were provided. December 2024 – February 2025: Follow-up emails about parking, bins, trash piling up, and zero maintenance — including group feedback from other tenants. 4 February 2025: Strongly worded email demanding urgent action. Trafalgar promised updates “by Monday.” Nothing came. 19 March 2025: Another strongly worded email demanding urgent action. Several follow-ups (February – August 2025): Only vague replies, no progress, zero accountability. 31 July 2025: Formal 30-day notice given. Reason for leaving: neglect, poor ventilation, black mold infestation, lack of safety and sanitation. Still no response. 27 August 2025: Final statement before moving out — called out the hypocrisy of cleaning up only before new viewings while ignoring paying tenants for months. 2 September 2025: Inspection conducted (representative arrived 30 minutes late). Promises made regarding deposit and inspection report. None fulfilled. 5–15 September 2025: Further follow-up emails met with vague responses again. Still no report. Still no deposit. Still no compensation. Still no accountability.

We have started and lodged formal complaints with the Rental Housing Tribunal and CSOS.

Avoid Trafalgar at all costs if you want to live somewhere reasonably maintained.

Their ongoing negligence speaks volumes — a truly unprofessional operation.

Rating:(0/5 stars) - whatever the minimum allowed