The North West Rental Housing Tribunal had in its recent urgent proceedings to hear allegations of unfair practice of the disconnection of electricity ruled that the action of a Mahikeng landlord against a tenant without an order of court was in contravention of regulation 13(1) (b) of the Rental Housing Act No.50 of 1999. Further complaints by three Gatholo Heights flats tenants are to be heard by the tribunal on Wednesday 31 August 2011.
The tribunal ordered the landlord, Century Apartment CC, to immediately restore the supply of electricity to the flat rented by the tenant and further summoned the landlord to appear before it to answer complaint of refusing to refund a deposit and a claim for perishable foods spoilt during the cut off.
In its hearing scheduled for next week, the landlord is expected to answer and produce evidence on the alleged refusal to refund the deposit of R1 400.00 plus interests thereon to the complainant.
The landlord is also expected to answer on the alleged claim of R700.00 for perishables foods that were spoilt by the disruption of electricity and further produce all inspection (ingoing and outgoing) reports pertaining to the complaints lodged by tenants.
According to the recent ruling, if the landlord fails to comply, the sheriff for the Magistrates Court for the district of Molopo given the powers to enter the premises and restore the supply of electricity were the services supplied by the suitable service provider would be at the expenses of the landlord.
North West MEC for Human Settlements, Public Safety and Liaison said the North West Rental Housing Tribunal will do at its best to maintain sound relationships between landlords and tenant by providing accessible mechanisms to both landlord and tenant to resolve their disputes easily.
The North West Housing Tribunal was established in terms of the Rental Housing Act to regulate and promote stability in the rental housing sector by resolving disputes that arises between tenants and landlords.
Enquiries:
Lesiba Moses Kgwele
TelL: (018) 391 0420
Cell: 083 629 1987
Email: LKgwele@nwpg.gov.za
North West Rental Housing tribunal orders landlord to reconnect electricity for tenant
Province
