Lease Deposit

AMS HAVEN is the worst accommodation to stay at. They unfairly deduct large amounts from tenants’ deposits.

I stayed there for a year on a 6-month lease. When it was time to renew, I requested a 12-month lease because of the constant rental increases. However, during that same week—before signing the new lease—I submitted my one-month notice to move out.

During my exit inspection, the caretaker, Hennie, commented that the unit was in good condition and that it looked like I hadn’t stayed there long. To my shock, I later received an email stating that I would only receive R570 out of my R7,900 deposit. The deductions were allegedly for cleaning fees, repainting, and an early termination penalty.

I had thoroughly cleaned the unit before moving out and was even still cleaning during the inspection. Ironically, when I first moved in, the unit had not been properly cleaned, and the windows are never cleaned—yet they still charge tenants excessive cleaning fees. I understand that the security guard, Wisdom, usually cleans units before new tenants move in, but it seems unfair that such large amounts are deducted from deposits for this.

The R7,900 deposit included a meter deposit, which according to the lease agreement is refundable. I do not understand why this amount was also withheld.

I had seen previous reviews about tenants not receiving their full deposits, but now I can confirm this from my own experience. No matter how desperate you are for accommodation, I would strongly advise against moving here. The rental prices do not match the quality, and the rent keeps increasing along with very expensive electricity charges.