"GEORGE NEWS - The free public service of the Rental Housing Tribunal (RHT) may soon be made available at local municipalities outside of Cape Town.
According to a media statement dated Thursday 25 January, the Western Cape Department of Infrastructure is in talks with various local municipalities in the province regarding offering this service, which is aimed at resolving disputes between landlords and tenants, to the public.
Departmental spokesperson Ntobeko Mbingeleli told George Herald that municipalities in the Southern Cape, such as George, Riversdale, Mossel Bay, Knysna and Plettenberg Bay, as well as Oudtshoorn in the Klein-Karoo, form part of the municipalities that the department is engaging with and to which it is looking to extend the services.
"Part of the aim of extending the services is to emancipate our partners in the local government sphere."
Infrastructure Minister Tertuis Simmers said over the years the RHT has assisted citizens by resolving various disputes.
The tribunal also educates the parties involved about their rights and obligations should an unfair and unlawful act occur that contravenes any legislation.
The latest third-quarter (October - December 2023) statistical performance report indicated that 777 cases were captured and 715 cases resolved. The RHT is legislated to finalise matters within 90 days.
Increased demand for service
Simmers said the increased demand has moved the department to roll out the service in other parts of the province.
"Residents can soon expect to access this critical service in their various local municipalities.
"We are currently in discussions with various municipalities and an announcement will be made on the expansion of the services beyond Cape Town."
Disputes that have been handled to date include unlawful notice to vacate, unlawful evictions, claim for damages, failure to refund a deposit, failure to accept a notice, failure to do maintenance or provide a receipt, exorbitant increase in rental, unilateral change in the agreement, claim in remission of rental, failure to provide municipal services (cutting off water and electricity), and unlawful seizure of possessions.
Citizens wishing to contact the RHT may phone them on 0860 106 166 (contact centre), or send a 'please call me' to 079 769 1207, or SMS 'Help' to 31022.
For general and dispute-related enquiries, submit all complaint forms, annexures and a copy of your lease agreement to: rht.disputes@westerncape.gov.za or phone 021 483 5020 / 6495 / 3283. Documents may also be faxed to 021 483 3313.
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