Unprofessional Conduct and Outstanding Refund – ERA Northriding

I am extremely disappointed with the way this matter has been handled by Shirley Diamond from ERA Northriding.

I app**** for an apartment on 21 January 2025 and received confirmation on 23 January that the apartment had been allocated to me.

Unfortunately, on the very day I was supposed to make the payment, I was hospitalised and was only discharged on 3 February. I immediately informed Shirley of the situation and explained that due to medical expenses I would not be able to pay the full deposit immediately. I gave two options: I was willing to either relinquish the apartment or pay everything on 23 February.

On 6 February, Shirley contacted me and said that if I paid R1000 for a credit check and admin fee, she would hold the apartment for me since I had committed to paying on 23 February. Acting in good faith, I proceeded to make payment and sent R2000.

However, on 16 February, I received an email from Shirley informing me that she had already found another tenant for the apartment. She then advised that she would refund me R1000.

Since then, I have been constantly chasing this refund, and despite multiple follow-ups and being told the payment is being handled, I have still not received the R1000 refund.

This entire experience has been extremely frustrating. I acted in good faith, communicated transparently during a medical emergency, and honoured the requests made to me. The least that should happen is that the promised refund is processed promptly.

I would appreciate ERA Northriding resolving this matter urgently and ensuring that the outstanding R1000 refund is paid immediately.

I hope this review leads to accountability and a swift resolution.