Terrible experience at Nursery Square (Urban Circle) – no deposit refund, hidden charges, and multiple lease breaches

I was a tenant at Nursery Square, managed by Quorum Living / Urban Circle, and I’m deeply disappointed with the way they treated me.

While my lease clearly promised water and electricity included in rent, backup power, and 24-hour security, none of these were properly delivered: • I had to pay for my own prepaid electricity, • There was no reliable backup power during load shedding, • And there was no visible 24-hour security on the property.

When I moved out on 19 June 2025, I completed a walkthrough and expected my deposit to be refunded as required by law. Instead, I was met with undisclosed charges: • R840 was deducted for a cleaning fee that was never communicated beforehand, either in writing or during the walkthrough. • Then they charged me a full month’s rent as a lease cancellation penalty — also never communicated in advance, even though their own lease clause (13.1.3) states that they are required to inform me of such penalties before I cancel.

These surprise deductions are not only unfair — they directly breach the lease agreement and the Consumer Protection Act, which requires landlords to be transparent and fair when handling cancellations and charges.

To make things worse, their communication has been horrible. Emails are slow, vague, or ignored altogether. I’ve had to constantly follow up just to get basic information, and they’ve shown no urgency in resolving any of these issues.

Summary: • Water and electricity not provided as promised • No working backup power • No 24-hour security • Undisclosed R840 cleaning fee • Undisclosed full-month cancellation penalty • No deposit refund to date • Terrible communication and accountability

If you’re considering renting at Nursery Square or any property run by Quorum Living / Urban Circle, think twice. You may be left chasing your own money, paying for things you never agreed to, and dealing with service you don’t receive.