Be Extremely Careful Renting Through Just Property Prosper Burgundy Estate

Around two months ago, through a rental property website, we found a property that was very close to what we were looking for in terms of both location and price. After contacting the assigned agent, we viewed the property. At the time, a family was still living there, so although the overall condition looked acceptable during the viewing, many details were not visible.

We submitted all the required documents, our application was approved, and we proceeded with the rental through Divan Tolken from the Just Property Prosper Burgundy Estate branch in Cape Town.

We paid R20,000 upfront and another R40,000 four days before 1 May, which was the agreed handover date.

On 1 May, the keys were handed over to us — and we were shocked. The condition of the house was honestly one of the worst conditions a property could be in. We immediately informed them that the property was not habitable and requested that the agreement be cancelled because it was simply not possible to live there.

This is when the other side of the story began.

A person named Pieter van den Berg, who appears to be the manager of the Just Property Prosper Burgundy Estate branch, became involved. As unbelievable as it sounds, we were told that these were merely “cosmetic issues” that could supposedly be repaired within two weeks.

We were then informed that they would not refund our money, and that the only option offered was for us to forfeit one full month’s rent if we wanted our deposit returned.

Does this sound fair or acceptable to anyone?

We strongly advise people to be extremely careful before trusting or entering into agreements with Divan Tolken, Pieter van den Berg, or the Just Property Prosper Burgundy Estate branch. Please read your contracts carefully, because situations can change very quickly once money has been paid.

We genuinely tried many times to resolve this matter amicably and respectfully, but unfortunately it appears this is not unfami**** territory for them.

I will upload photos and videos so the public can judge the condition of the property for themselves.