Property Partners Property Management & Sales (Pty) Ltd t/a Property Partners
3|4 reviews
AL
Alison L
1 reviews | Active since Member
12 May 2026, 11:23
Property Partners failed to return my deposit and ignored the Rental Housing Act — formal complaints filed with PPRA and RHT
Property Partners Property Management & Sales (Pty) Ltd (Reg No: 2019/192465/07) failed to return my rental deposit following the termination of my 12-month lease on 30 April 2026. The outgoing inspection on 30 April recorded no defects or damages. Despite this, and despite the 7-day statutory deadline under the Rental Housing Act having passed, my deposit has not been returned and no lawful basis for any deduction has been provided. When I sent a formal letter of demand, the agency cited public holidays, weekends, an internal comparison process, and the need for the owner's approval as reasons for the delay — none of which constitute valid grounds under the Act. A subsequent response simply stated they were "awaiting the owner's instructions," which is not a defence available to a registered property practitioner. This is not the first time I have had to escalate matters regarding this agency. During the same 12-month tenancy I was required to engage the Western Cape Rental Housing Tribunal due to the agency's failure to attend to maintenance obligations, which was resolved in my favour. I have now filed formal complaints with the Western Cape Rental Housing Tribunal and the Property Practitioners Regulatory Authority (PPRA). I would caution any prospective tenant to carefully consider whether this agency will fulfil its legal obligations to you.
Helpful (0)
Replies (6)0
Replies (6)Property Partners Property Management & Sales (Pty) Ltd t/a Property Partners's replyOfficial
18 May 2026, 08:13Thank you for your review. We take all feedback seriously and wish to correct several factual inaccuracies contained in this review for the benefit of anyone reading it.
REGARDING THE DEPOSIT
Property Partners is the managing agent for this property. We do not hold, administer or control rental deposits. The deposit for this tenancy was held by the landlord, not by Property Partners. We therefore have no legal ability to return funds we do not hold. The characterisation that Property Partners failed to return your deposit is factually incorrect and misrepresents our role entirely.
For the benefit of anyone reading this, it is important to understand the deposit refund process. The lease ended on 30 April 2026. The 1st of May is a public holiday, followed immediately by a weekend, during which no staff are working and no financial reconciliations can be processed. The deposit process requires the following steps to be completed in sequence: Property Partners must first reconcile the deposit and prepare the refund calculation, which is then submitted to the landlord for approval. The landlord must then instruct the release of funds and transfer the deposit to Property Partners. Only once those funds are reflected in our account are we in a position to transfer them to the tenant. This process is dependent on the landlord's approval and their own banking processes, none of which are within Property Partners' direct control.
Despite these constraints, the deposit was refunded in full within 7 working days of the lease end date. The suggestion that the deposit was withheld is therefore false. Public holidays and weekends are not working days and cannot reasonably be counted as part of any statutory or practical deadline.
REGARDING MAINTENANCE
Maintenance at this property was attended to by the owner's own appointed service providers. Property Partners reported all maintenance requests to the owner in accordance with our mandate. We do not appoint or control the owner's service providers and cannot be held responsible for their conduct. This was communicated to the tenant clearly during the tenancy.
Property Partners conducts its business with integrity and in accordance with all applicable legislation. We are committed to serving both owners and tenants professionally and will continue to do so.
REGARDING THE DEPOSIT
Property Partners is the managing agent for this property. We do not hold, administer or control rental deposits. The deposit for this tenancy was held by the landlord, not by Property Partners. We therefore have no legal ability to return funds we do not hold. The characterisation that Property Partners failed to return your deposit is factually incorrect and misrepresents our role entirely.
For the benefit of anyone reading this, it is important to understand the deposit refund process. The lease ended on 30 April 2026. The 1st of May is a public holiday, followed immediately by a weekend, during which no staff are working and no financial reconciliations can be processed. The deposit process requires the following steps to be completed in sequence: Property Partners must first reconcile the deposit and prepare the refund calculation, which is then submitted to the landlord for approval. The landlord must then instruct the release of funds and transfer the deposit to Property Partners. Only once those funds are reflected in our account are we in a position to transfer them to the tenant. This process is dependent on the landlord's approval and their own banking processes, none of which are within Property Partners' direct control.
Despite these constraints, the deposit was refunded in full within 7 working days of the lease end date. The suggestion that the deposit was withheld is therefore false. Public holidays and weekends are not working days and cannot reasonably be counted as part of any statutory or practical deadline.
REGARDING MAINTENANCE
Maintenance at this property was attended to by the owner's own appointed service providers. Property Partners reported all maintenance requests to the owner in accordance with our mandate. We do not appoint or control the owner's service providers and cannot be held responsible for their conduct. This was communicated to the tenant clearly during the tenancy.
Property Partners conducts its business with integrity and in accordance with all applicable legislation. We are committed to serving both owners and tenants professionally and will continue to do so.
Best regards,
Property Partners Property Management & Sales (Pty) Ltd t/a Property Partners's reply18 May 2026, 08:13
Official
Thank you for your review. We take all feedback seriously and wish to correct several factual inaccuracies contained in this review for the benefit of anyone reading it.
REGARDING THE DEPOSIT
Property Partners is the managing agent for this property. We do not hold, administer or control rental deposits. The deposit for this tenancy was held by the landlord, not by Property Partners. We therefore have no legal ability to return funds we do not hold. The characterisation that Property Partners failed to return your deposit is factually incorrect and misrepresents our role entirely.
For the benefit of anyone reading this, it is important to understand the deposit refund process. The lease ended on 30 April 2026. The 1st of May is a public holiday, followed immediately by a weekend, during which no staff are working and no financial reconciliations can be processed. The deposit process requires the following steps to be completed in sequence: Property Partners must first reconcile the deposit and prepare the refund calculation, which is then submitted to the landlord for approval. The landlord must then instruct the release of funds and transfer the deposit to Property Partners. Only once those funds are reflected in our account are we in a position to transfer them to the tenant. This process is dependent on the landlord's approval and their own banking processes, none of which are within Property Partners' direct control.
Despite these constraints, the deposit was refunded in full within 7 working days of the lease end date. The suggestion that the deposit was withheld is therefore false. Public holidays and weekends are not working days and cannot reasonably be counted as part of any statutory or practical deadline.
REGARDING MAINTENANCE
Maintenance at this property was attended to by the owner's own appointed service providers. Property Partners reported all maintenance requests to the owner in accordance with our mandate. We do not appoint or control the owner's service providers and cannot be held responsible for their conduct. This was communicated to the tenant clearly during the tenancy.
Property Partners conducts its business with integrity and in accordance with all applicable legislation. We are committed to serving both owners and tenants professionally and will continue to do so.
REGARDING THE DEPOSIT
Property Partners is the managing agent for this property. We do not hold, administer or control rental deposits. The deposit for this tenancy was held by the landlord, not by Property Partners. We therefore have no legal ability to return funds we do not hold. The characterisation that Property Partners failed to return your deposit is factually incorrect and misrepresents our role entirely.
For the benefit of anyone reading this, it is important to understand the deposit refund process. The lease ended on 30 April 2026. The 1st of May is a public holiday, followed immediately by a weekend, during which no staff are working and no financial reconciliations can be processed. The deposit process requires the following steps to be completed in sequence: Property Partners must first reconcile the deposit and prepare the refund calculation, which is then submitted to the landlord for approval. The landlord must then instruct the release of funds and transfer the deposit to Property Partners. Only once those funds are reflected in our account are we in a position to transfer them to the tenant. This process is dependent on the landlord's approval and their own banking processes, none of which are within Property Partners' direct control.
Despite these constraints, the deposit was refunded in full within 7 working days of the lease end date. The suggestion that the deposit was withheld is therefore false. Public holidays and weekends are not working days and cannot reasonably be counted as part of any statutory or practical deadline.
REGARDING MAINTENANCE
Maintenance at this property was attended to by the owner's own appointed service providers. Property Partners reported all maintenance requests to the owner in accordance with our mandate. We do not appoint or control the owner's service providers and cannot be held responsible for their conduct. This was communicated to the tenant clearly during the tenancy.
Property Partners conducts its business with integrity and in accordance with all applicable legislation. We are committed to serving both owners and tenants professionally and will continue to do so.
Best regards,
AL
Alison L's updateReviewer Update
18 May 2026, 08:55Thank you for your response. I wish to address each point you have raised, as several claims require correction.
REGARDING THE DEPOSIT AND YOUR ROLE
The Rental Housing Act 50 of 1999 does not limit the obligation to return a deposit to the party physically holding the funds. The statutory obligation rests with the landlord, and where a managing agent administers the tenancy and deposit on the landlord’s behalf, that agent cannot avoid accountability by attributing delays solely to the landlord. As the registered managing agent for this property, Property Partners has independent professional and statutory obligations arising from its role in the administration of the tenancy and deposit. Your own correspondence to me acknowledged this implicitly. You were the party conducting the reconciliation, communicating with me about the deposit, and ultimately facilitating the transfer. You cannot simultaneously claim responsibility for the process and disclaim responsibility for the outcome.
REGARDING THE 7-DAY DEADLINE
You state the deposit was refunded within 7 working days. The Rental Housing Act specifies 7 days, not 7 working days, not 7 business days, and not 7 days excluding public holidays and weekends. This is not a matter of interpretation. Your own correspondence to me on 7 May 2026, from Martelize Keller, acknowledged this explicitly, stating: "I do understand that the Rental Housing Act refers to 7 days and does not specifically state 7 business days." You cannot now publicly claim the opposite.
REGARDING THE DEPOSIT BEING REFUNDED IN FULL
The deposit was not refunded in full. The following deductions were made:
- R750.00 for the outgoing inspection fee: a cost that is the landlord's responsibility under the Rental Housing Act, not the tenant's, and which I am actively disputing
- Electricity and water arrears: despite both meters reflecting positive balances at the time of the outgoing inspection on 30 April 2026, as recorded in your own comparison report
A partial refund with disputed and potentially ******** deductions is not a full refund.
REGARDING MAINTENANCE
You state that maintenance was attended to by the owner's appointed service providers and that Property Partners cannot be held responsible for their conduct. The Western Cape Rental Housing Tribunal found sufficient merit in my complaint to intervene and the matter was resolved in my favour. That outcome speaks for itself.
REGARDING THE INTEGRITY OF THIS RESPONSE
I note that Property Partners disputed my review on HelloPeter at least twice, characterising it as containing false information, without specifying a single factual inaccuracy. HelloPeter required me to provide extensive supporting documentation, and then to obtain and submit a sworn affidavit confirming the accuracy of my review before it would be reinstated. I did so. Every statement in my review is accurate, documented, and supported by evidence including your own correspondence and your own inspection report.
Formal complaints remain on record with the Property Practitioners Regulatory Authority and the Western Cape Rental Housing Tribunal. The disputed deductions are being pursued through the appropriate channels.
REGARDING THE DEPOSIT AND YOUR ROLE
The Rental Housing Act 50 of 1999 does not limit the obligation to return a deposit to the party physically holding the funds. The statutory obligation rests with the landlord, and where a managing agent administers the tenancy and deposit on the landlord’s behalf, that agent cannot avoid accountability by attributing delays solely to the landlord. As the registered managing agent for this property, Property Partners has independent professional and statutory obligations arising from its role in the administration of the tenancy and deposit. Your own correspondence to me acknowledged this implicitly. You were the party conducting the reconciliation, communicating with me about the deposit, and ultimately facilitating the transfer. You cannot simultaneously claim responsibility for the process and disclaim responsibility for the outcome.
REGARDING THE 7-DAY DEADLINE
You state the deposit was refunded within 7 working days. The Rental Housing Act specifies 7 days, not 7 working days, not 7 business days, and not 7 days excluding public holidays and weekends. This is not a matter of interpretation. Your own correspondence to me on 7 May 2026, from Martelize Keller, acknowledged this explicitly, stating: "I do understand that the Rental Housing Act refers to 7 days and does not specifically state 7 business days." You cannot now publicly claim the opposite.
REGARDING THE DEPOSIT BEING REFUNDED IN FULL
The deposit was not refunded in full. The following deductions were made:
- R750.00 for the outgoing inspection fee: a cost that is the landlord's responsibility under the Rental Housing Act, not the tenant's, and which I am actively disputing
- Electricity and water arrears: despite both meters reflecting positive balances at the time of the outgoing inspection on 30 April 2026, as recorded in your own comparison report
A partial refund with disputed and potentially ******** deductions is not a full refund.
REGARDING MAINTENANCE
You state that maintenance was attended to by the owner's appointed service providers and that Property Partners cannot be held responsible for their conduct. The Western Cape Rental Housing Tribunal found sufficient merit in my complaint to intervene and the matter was resolved in my favour. That outcome speaks for itself.
REGARDING THE INTEGRITY OF THIS RESPONSE
I note that Property Partners disputed my review on HelloPeter at least twice, characterising it as containing false information, without specifying a single factual inaccuracy. HelloPeter required me to provide extensive supporting documentation, and then to obtain and submit a sworn affidavit confirming the accuracy of my review before it would be reinstated. I did so. Every statement in my review is accurate, documented, and supported by evidence including your own correspondence and your own inspection report.
Formal complaints remain on record with the Property Practitioners Regulatory Authority and the Western Cape Rental Housing Tribunal. The disputed deductions are being pursued through the appropriate channels.
AL
Alison L's update18 May 2026, 08:55
Reviewer Update
Thank you for your response. I wish to address each point you have raised, as several claims require correction.
REGARDING THE DEPOSIT AND YOUR ROLE
The Rental Housing Act 50 of 1999 does not limit the obligation to return a deposit to the party physically holding the funds. The statutory obligation rests with the landlord, and where a managing agent administers the tenancy and deposit on the landlord’s behalf, that agent cannot avoid accountability by attributing delays solely to the landlord. As the registered managing agent for this property, Property Partners has independent professional and statutory obligations arising from its role in the administration of the tenancy and deposit. Your own correspondence to me acknowledged this implicitly. You were the party conducting the reconciliation, communicating with me about the deposit, and ultimately facilitating the transfer. You cannot simultaneously claim responsibility for the process and disclaim responsibility for the outcome.
REGARDING THE 7-DAY DEADLINE
You state the deposit was refunded within 7 working days. The Rental Housing Act specifies 7 days, not 7 working days, not 7 business days, and not 7 days excluding public holidays and weekends. This is not a matter of interpretation. Your own correspondence to me on 7 May 2026, from Martelize Keller, acknowledged this explicitly, stating: "I do understand that the Rental Housing Act refers to 7 days and does not specifically state 7 business days." You cannot now publicly claim the opposite.
REGARDING THE DEPOSIT BEING REFUNDED IN FULL
The deposit was not refunded in full. The following deductions were made:
- R750.00 for the outgoing inspection fee: a cost that is the landlord's responsibility under the Rental Housing Act, not the tenant's, and which I am actively disputing
- Electricity and water arrears: despite both meters reflecting positive balances at the time of the outgoing inspection on 30 April 2026, as recorded in your own comparison report
A partial refund with disputed and potentially ******** deductions is not a full refund.
REGARDING MAINTENANCE
You state that maintenance was attended to by the owner's appointed service providers and that Property Partners cannot be held responsible for their conduct. The Western Cape Rental Housing Tribunal found sufficient merit in my complaint to intervene and the matter was resolved in my favour. That outcome speaks for itself.
REGARDING THE INTEGRITY OF THIS RESPONSE
I note that Property Partners disputed my review on HelloPeter at least twice, characterising it as containing false information, without specifying a single factual inaccuracy. HelloPeter required me to provide extensive supporting documentation, and then to obtain and submit a sworn affidavit confirming the accuracy of my review before it would be reinstated. I did so. Every statement in my review is accurate, documented, and supported by evidence including your own correspondence and your own inspection report.
Formal complaints remain on record with the Property Practitioners Regulatory Authority and the Western Cape Rental Housing Tribunal. The disputed deductions are being pursued through the appropriate channels.
REGARDING THE DEPOSIT AND YOUR ROLE
The Rental Housing Act 50 of 1999 does not limit the obligation to return a deposit to the party physically holding the funds. The statutory obligation rests with the landlord, and where a managing agent administers the tenancy and deposit on the landlord’s behalf, that agent cannot avoid accountability by attributing delays solely to the landlord. As the registered managing agent for this property, Property Partners has independent professional and statutory obligations arising from its role in the administration of the tenancy and deposit. Your own correspondence to me acknowledged this implicitly. You were the party conducting the reconciliation, communicating with me about the deposit, and ultimately facilitating the transfer. You cannot simultaneously claim responsibility for the process and disclaim responsibility for the outcome.
REGARDING THE 7-DAY DEADLINE
You state the deposit was refunded within 7 working days. The Rental Housing Act specifies 7 days, not 7 working days, not 7 business days, and not 7 days excluding public holidays and weekends. This is not a matter of interpretation. Your own correspondence to me on 7 May 2026, from Martelize Keller, acknowledged this explicitly, stating: "I do understand that the Rental Housing Act refers to 7 days and does not specifically state 7 business days." You cannot now publicly claim the opposite.
REGARDING THE DEPOSIT BEING REFUNDED IN FULL
The deposit was not refunded in full. The following deductions were made:
- R750.00 for the outgoing inspection fee: a cost that is the landlord's responsibility under the Rental Housing Act, not the tenant's, and which I am actively disputing
- Electricity and water arrears: despite both meters reflecting positive balances at the time of the outgoing inspection on 30 April 2026, as recorded in your own comparison report
A partial refund with disputed and potentially ******** deductions is not a full refund.
REGARDING MAINTENANCE
You state that maintenance was attended to by the owner's appointed service providers and that Property Partners cannot be held responsible for their conduct. The Western Cape Rental Housing Tribunal found sufficient merit in my complaint to intervene and the matter was resolved in my favour. That outcome speaks for itself.
REGARDING THE INTEGRITY OF THIS RESPONSE
I note that Property Partners disputed my review on HelloPeter at least twice, characterising it as containing false information, without specifying a single factual inaccuracy. HelloPeter required me to provide extensive supporting documentation, and then to obtain and submit a sworn affidavit confirming the accuracy of my review before it would be reinstated. I did so. Every statement in my review is accurate, documented, and supported by evidence including your own correspondence and your own inspection report.
Formal complaints remain on record with the Property Practitioners Regulatory Authority and the Western Cape Rental Housing Tribunal. The disputed deductions are being pursued through the appropriate channels.
Property Partners Property Management & Sales (Pty) Ltd t/a Property Partners's replyOfficial
18 May 2026, 09:10Thank you for your response. We have noted your comments and maintain our position as set out in our previous reply.
We respectfully do not agree with your interpretation of the legal obligations of a managing agent under the Rental Housing Act. These are matters of legal opinion on which we hold a different view of.
We are satisfied that we acted professionally, in good faith, and within a reasonable timeframe given that the lease end date was immediately followed by a public holiday and a weekend during which no processing could take place.
We wish you well.
We respectfully do not agree with your interpretation of the legal obligations of a managing agent under the Rental Housing Act. These are matters of legal opinion on which we hold a different view of.
We are satisfied that we acted professionally, in good faith, and within a reasonable timeframe given that the lease end date was immediately followed by a public holiday and a weekend during which no processing could take place.
We wish you well.
Best regards,
Property Partners Property Management & Sales (Pty) Ltd t/a Property Partners's reply18 May 2026, 09:10
Official
Thank you for your response. We have noted your comments and maintain our position as set out in our previous reply.
We respectfully do not agree with your interpretation of the legal obligations of a managing agent under the Rental Housing Act. These are matters of legal opinion on which we hold a different view of.
We are satisfied that we acted professionally, in good faith, and within a reasonable timeframe given that the lease end date was immediately followed by a public holiday and a weekend during which no processing could take place.
We wish you well.
We respectfully do not agree with your interpretation of the legal obligations of a managing agent under the Rental Housing Act. These are matters of legal opinion on which we hold a different view of.
We are satisfied that we acted professionally, in good faith, and within a reasonable timeframe given that the lease end date was immediately followed by a public holiday and a weekend during which no processing could take place.
We wish you well.
Best regards,
AL
Alison L's updateReviewer Update
18 May 2026, 13:08Thank you for your response. I note that Property Partners no longer disputes the sequence of events as I described them. The remaining disagreement, as framed by Property Partners, is one of legal interpretation. For the benefit of anyone reading this exchange, the Rental Housing Act 50 of 1999 specifies 7 days. Property Partners publicly stated that the deposit was refunded “within 7 working days of the lease end date.” The lease ended on 30 April 2026, yet the proof of payment provided by Property Partners reflects that the refund transaction was processed at 16:37 on 14 May 2026, approximately 14 calendar days later, and approximately 9 working days later even on Property Partners’ own interpretation. In addition, the deposit was not refunded in full, contrary to the public statement made. Deductions were made, and those deductions remain under dispute and are being pursued through the appropriate regulatory channels. Formal complaints remain on record with the Property Practitioners Regulatory Authority and the Western Cape Rental Housing Tribunal. Both bodies are well placed to determine the legal issues Property Partners believes remain in dispute. I wish Property Partners well also.
AL
Alison L's update18 May 2026, 13:08
Reviewer Update
Thank you for your response. I note that Property Partners no longer disputes the sequence of events as I described them. The remaining disagreement, as framed by Property Partners, is one of legal interpretation. For the benefit of anyone reading this exchange, the Rental Housing Act 50 of 1999 specifies 7 days. Property Partners publicly stated that the deposit was refunded “within 7 working days of the lease end date.” The lease ended on 30 April 2026, yet the proof of payment provided by Property Partners reflects that the refund transaction was processed at 16:37 on 14 May 2026, approximately 14 calendar days later, and approximately 9 working days later even on Property Partners’ own interpretation. In addition, the deposit was not refunded in full, contrary to the public statement made. Deductions were made, and those deductions remain under dispute and are being pursued through the appropriate regulatory channels. Formal complaints remain on record with the Property Practitioners Regulatory Authority and the Western Cape Rental Housing Tribunal. Both bodies are well placed to determine the legal issues Property Partners believes remain in dispute. I wish Property Partners well also.
Property Partners Property Management & Sales (Pty) Ltd t/a Property Partners's replyOfficial
18 May 2026, 14:02We have noted this response. We do not intend to engage in a further public exchange on this platform. Our position remains as stated. The appropriate regulatory channels exist precisely to determine disputes of this nature, and we are confident in our conduct throughout this matter.
Best regards,
Property Partners Property Management & Sales (Pty) Ltd t/a Property Partners's reply18 May 2026, 14:02
Official
We have noted this response. We do not intend to engage in a further public exchange on this platform. Our position remains as stated. The appropriate regulatory channels exist precisely to determine disputes of this nature, and we are confident in our conduct throughout this matter.
Best regards,
Property Partners Property Management & Sales (Pty) Ltd t/a Property Partners's replyOfficial
18 May 2026, 14:07We have noted this response. We do not intend to engage in a further public exchange on this platform. Our position remains as stated. The appropriate regulatory channels exist precisely to determine disputes of this nature, and we are confident in our conduct throughout this matter.
Best regards,
Property Partners Property Management & Sales (Pty) Ltd t/a Property Partners's reply18 May 2026, 14:07
Official
We have noted this response. We do not intend to engage in a further public exchange on this platform. Our position remains as stated. The appropriate regulatory channels exist precisely to determine disputes of this nature, and we are confident in our conduct throughout this matter.
Best regards,