Joshua J

******** deposit deductions — DO NOT rent with My Living Space

I rented Room 8 at Weymouth Residence (1 Weymouth Road, Observatory) from February 2025 to January 2026. Upon vacating, My Living Space presented a Report & Statement proposing deductions of R12,500 against my R11,700 deposit — meaning they claimed I owed them R800. The deductions included: R7,500 for repainting (after a 12-month tenancy — this is fair wear and tear, not tenant damage) R3,000 for fumigation (my lease clause 4.4 caps this at R2,000 — they exceeded their own contract) R2,000 for cleaning (no receipts or evidence provided) A joint outgoing inspection was conducted on 30 January 2026 with the property manager. The inspection notes described walls as "stained" and floors as "dirty" — normal wear after a year of occupancy. No severe damage, holes, or excessive soiling was noted. I formally disputed all deductions except the agreed R2,000 fumigation amount and requested a refund of R9,700 plus interest, as required under the Rental Housing Act 50 of 1999. They have not comp****. This appears to be a pattern — other tenants have reported the same tactics: inflated charges, no receipts, and poor communication through a single contact who becomes unresponsive once you raise concerns. I am escalating to the Western Cape Rental Housing Tribunal. Prospective tenants: read your lease carefully, document everything from day one, and be aware of your rights under the Rental Housing Act before signing.