Had a one year contract for home rental, the agent being Smile Properties. When we found a new home, much better priced etc, I gave 2 months written notice, and already had a new couple to take the home/rent over from us. They also paid their deposit over right away.
Agent had NO expenses relating to advertisements, no visits with new possible people, NO loss of commission etc. When we moved out, the other couple moved in right away. Their rent was even raised with R300 pm. When I gave notice we already got in legal advice stating that their contract and clause claiming contract breach fee and loss of commission is against the Consumer Act. The consumer act says that one have to give 20 work days notice. According to Smile Properties, this is not applicable to us, since we moved in before this act came into place. The renewal was signed in September 2012. No response. This morning got an email that we owe them R14 000. R8000 our current deposit another R6000. This is for contract breach, loss of commission, late payments in 2011 (have proof from them on 5 Sept 2012 that our account was 100% up to date), and also R1000 for damages in the house, bulbs etc. Ridiculious!!!
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