Consumer Rights Mission: New Submission

Submitted By (Submission ID): Vuyo Mpambani from South Africa (56434138)

Subject: Property Rental, in bad contion, but penalised for cancellation..

Description: Hi

We have moved into a place but we are not happy with the condition of the place. We didn't get the chance to view the place before we moved in because the tenant was always unavailable, but they showed us pictures and we thought its fine.

We (my husband,my 2 year old son and myself) moved in the past Saturday: 01 Oct 2011. We were shocked to see the condition of the place. It was filthy and stinking. Most of the things don't work, meaning they agency never went in to check it. The bathroom door not working, the kitchen sink blocked. The bedroom floors dirty and stinking (last tenants lived with pets inside), wall pugs hanging and I find them dangerous. Kitchen cupboards coming off the wall and leaking to the inside, curtain rails broken, this is just to mention a few faults. The front wall was down, but they have fixed it now and they just painted the walls while we are already inside.

We had to clean the place first so that we can be able to move our furniture.
Is this acceptable? We went to complain and we told them we will be moving as in immediately, next week to be exact. They told us we will be forfeiting our money, including the deposit which is the same amount as the rental fee.

Please help so we don't loose too much, unnecessarily.
How does the consumer act protect tenants against these agencies?

Testimony: I testify that the information provided above is true to the best of my knowledge and I have no malafide intention in making this submission and if so not found in future, I will be responsible for any liability arising from it. I confirm that I have the necessary supporting evidence to prove my submission and I undertake to furnish the same if need be.

Vuyo Mpambani

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