Pathetic Service from Remax All Stars Alberton

Dear Hello Peter,

I would like to formally lodge a complaint against RE/MAX All Stars regarding the unfair treatment, negligence, and misrepresentation my family and I have experienced during our tenancy arrangement facilitated by their agent, Lot, and the franchise owner, Jenny.

We approached the RE/MAX All Stars agent, Lot, after seeing a house advertised for rental. Before signing the lease agreement, the agent visited our previous rental property where we explained our difficult situation. At that time, we were already experiencing electricity disconnection issues because our previous landlord had failed to pay municipal arrears. We were living in extremely difficult conditions and relying on a neighbour for electricity assistance.

Because of this experience, I specifically asked the agent to confirm whether the municipal account for the new property was fully paid and up to date before we agreed to rent the property. The agent assured us that we “must not worry” and that everything was in order. Based on those assurances, we signed the lease agreement in good faith.

Upon moving into the property, we discovered several serious issues that had not been resolved despite promises that they would be fixed within a week. These included:

- Missing burglar guards - No lights/globes in the kitchen - A filthy yard full of empty beer bottles - A broken wardrobe

As tenants, we were forced to clean the yard ourselves and purchase light globes at our own expense. To date, the burglar guards and wardrobe remain unresolved.

We also noticed that the electricity meter constantly showed zero units. When we raised concerns, we were told that the owner would sort it out “within a month.”

Shockingly, on 29 April 2026, the electricity supply to the property was disconnected. We immediately reported the matter to RE/MAX All Stars. We then received communication advising us to pay R6,500 to the municipality to assist with reconnection, which we did. However, the municipality later informed us that reconnection would only happen once the full outstanding amount of approximately R12,500 was settled.

Before moving into the property, we had already paid:

- R3,000 deposit - R6,500 rental payment

I also informed the agent from the beginning that I operate a meat business from which I earn my income. Due to the electricity disconnection, I have suffered substantial financial losses, including:

- Meat stock worth approximately R4,000 - Groceries worth approximately R3,000 - Additional expenses for purchasing a gas stove, gas refills, and daily food because our refrigerators could no longer function

To make matters worse, we recently discovered that the property is being advertised for sale despite the fact that we signed a 12-month lease agreement. We questioned RE/MAX All Stars regarding this issue and requested clarity, but once again received no response.

Despite all of this, we have received no meaningful assistance, feedback, or resolution from either the franchise owner Jenny or the agent Lot. We feel abandoned and misled after relying on the assurances given to us before signing the lease.

We believe RE/MAX All Stars failed in their duty to properly verify the municipal account status and failed to disclose material information that directly affected our decision to enter into the lease agreement. We also believe we have suffered financial damages as a direct result of their negligence and misrepresentation.

We are requesting:

1. Urgent intervention regarding this matter 2. Accountability from RE/MAX All Stars 3. Reimbur*****t for damages and losses suffered 4. Assistance in resolving the electricity reconnection issue 5. An investigation into the conduct of the agent and franchise management

We trusted RE/MAX All Stars as professionals and expected transparency and honesty. Instead, we have suffered severe emotional distress, financial losses, and unsafe living conditions.

I hope Hello Peter can assist us in getting this matter addressed urgently.

Yours faithfully,

Mike Sky City, Johannesburg Email: [email protected]