I need some advice about how to make a complaint about our real estate agent.
We have big problems with our agent from the first day we contacted her. She informed the less rent amount to our landlord in South Africa to make mark up on the original amount and texted to my husband instead of the land lord by mistake and we found out in that way but had to sign the contract based on the initial price she mentioned. After that she delivered one of the parking key broken and ignored our inquiries many times to fix it. Our apartment was sold 2 months before and she asked us to send new cheques to issue in the name of our new land lord, we did but she ignored our inquiries to send us the new contract in the name of the land lord and we still don't have our new contract. She didn't renew the yearly contract with Emril after the new land lord (it is obligatory in Greens to havecontract with Emril) and we had a big problem with AC just because didn't have Emril routine maintenance service. We tried to contact her again but her companhy was gone, their office is closed and her number is not used anymore so we fpound her in another company and the owner of the company this time and we still cannot reach her since her employees tell us that she is on vacation and they cannot issue anything without her. So we had big trouble with the AC for 2 weeks just because of her fault. So our contract will end at the end of November and we still cannot find her. We really have to complain aboyut these since she has to get fine and even get deported from the country.
Looking forward to hearing where to compain about these.
Sorry to hear about all the problems you have been facing. She definitely needs some sorting out. First of all you need to get in touch with the new landlord directly and ask them to renew their contract with Emril. It is the landlord's responsibility to pay for the maintenance fee and provide up to scratch maintenance for the apartment. If the landlord is not sure how to proceed further, just indicate that you will renew the contract, do the paper work and deduct the amount in the next billing cycle. Make sure you let them know that you will provide all the receipts etc.
Secondly, since you will be renewing your contract shortly, ask you landlord about how to proceed further and with which agency? You need to find a new agent as soon as possible.
As far as the agent is concerned, please let the agency know that if they don't put you through with her, then you don't have a choice but take the matter to RERA. This will not only get the agent in trouble but also have dire consequences for the agency. Try to visit them in person if possible an discuss the matter with them. they are not your enemy and perhaps don't understand the situation properly.
Hope this helps and let us know if this gets you somewhere.
Thank you very much for your advise. Unfortunately we don't know who our new landlord is and also didn't know the previous one since the agent didn't want to give his contact details. That's why we are kind of stuck with this agent. May be better to find our landlord by checking in Land department?
You must find out who your landlord is and this should be your first priority. Consult the agency where the agent is working and if that doesn't work out then perhaps visit the land department.
As per the law all rental property contracts need to be registered with RERA, although many agencies don't bother. Your best bet is to visit the land department and explain the situation to them. If you have your agents email address then drop her an email and let her know how you intend to take this matter further. Maybe this might raise alarms and she will take you more seriously.
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