Waste Management Failures and Health Risks

I am raising serious concerns about the management of waste at Eagle’s Crest, which has created unsafe and unhygienic conditions for tenants. There are no ******* bins provided, so tenants keep waste in open bags on their stoep areas. This attracts insects and pests that spread to neighbouring units. To manage this, tenants place ******* under a tree for collection by the terrain worker. However, the worker was absent for over a month, and ******* remained uncollected. We were never informed of his absence, nor were alternative arrangements made. The tree is about 15 steps from my door, and a baby regularly plays nearby. The wind, dogs and cats tore open the bags, scattering waste across the yard and creating a serious contamination and safety risk. On 1 December 2025, I sent a message to the agents asking them to confirm whether this would count as a formal request for: 1. Proper ******* bins to stop waste being scattered; and 2. Immediate collection and removal of the accumulated *******.

I send further communication on 6 December and 6 January. I received no response.

The property has no municipal waste services, and although the agent later claimed she told me at lease signing that tenants must take ******* to the municipal dump, this was never communicated. The lease contains no such requirement. We are four single tenants—two women, one disabled person—two without transport. The dump is distant, unsafe to access alone, and none of us has a trailer. Transporting ******* in private vehicles would require opening car boots and exposing personal belongings. South African law, including the Rental Housing Act 50 of 1999, requires landlords to ensure properties are safe, hygienic, and habitable. Waste management forms part of that obligation. The current situation poses a serious risk to the health of children and vulnerable adults and reflects ongoing neglect by the landlord and managing agents.

I ask House Mouse Properties to: • Provide proper ******* bins for all tenants without delay. • Ensure immediate removal of all accumulated waste and implement reliable weekly collection. • Communicate clearly about any future service interruptions affecting health or safety. • Meet their legal duty to maintain hygienic and safe living conditions for all tenants at Eagle’s Crest.