{"id":44064,"date":"2024-08-13T11:09:06","date_gmt":"2024-08-13T09:09:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/eikestadnuus\/housing-scams-are-rife-20240807\/"},"modified":"2026-04-02T14:47:36","modified_gmt":"2026-04-02T12:47:36","slug":"housing-scams-are-rife-20240807","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/eikestadnuus\/housing-scams-are-rife-20240807\/","title":{"rendered":"Housing scams are rife"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Finding safe and affordable accommodation has long been a struggle for students, but in the process of pursuing this mammoth quest many would-be renters find themselves scammed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This was the case for a father and daughter who were recently looking for accommodation. According to Stellenbosch police spokesperson Captain Nathalie Martin a case of fraud had since been opened.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The complainants were on a local Facebook group, Stellenbosch Rentals, looking for a flat to rent, as the daughter was looking to further her studies at Stellenbosch University (SU).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On the group the father received a message from Rebecca Sandra Louw who, in turn, referred him to a Kenneth Brandt. \u201cThe complainant contacted Mr Brandt on the telephone number [069 803 9700] about an available flat,\u201d said Martin. \u201cMr Brandt confirmed the flat, at 39 Bosman Street, Stellenbosch, was available.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMr Brandt also sent the complainant pictures of the available place via WhatsApp. The complainant agreed to the terms and was relieved to find a place that was available for his daughter.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

After Brandt asked the complainant to pay a R5 000 \u201cholding deposit\u201d it all seemed in order, but it was not to be. When the complainant went to the address he found no trace of Brandt and was told the property was not available for renting or owned by Brandt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Scammers looking to dupe hopeful local renters are rife, especially on platforms like Facebook and through WhatsApp. Warnings against scammers can also be found on various Stellenbosch and Somerset West rental Facebook groups, urging renters to work with official registered estate agents and housing companies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cUnfortunately this is a scenario we hear about regularly,\u201d Rasaad Cupido told Eikestadnuus<\/i> this week.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The chairperson of the Ida\u2019s Valley and Cloetesville accredited National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) and private accommodation work group said a group of around 137 landlords from the Cloetesville and Ida\u2019s Valley had formed a collective in part to combat scammers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOur aim is to help both landlords and the students who rent from us,\u201d Cupido related.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe work group started as a WhatsApp group where we shared information. We decided a formal structure also helps us to organise and speak with role-players as a collective.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Landlords who are part of the work group have to meet a criteria set up by SU and to qualify as NSFAS accommodation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe urge parents to help their children with the process of finding accommodation,\u201d Cloete said. \u201cIn many cases students get so desperate they are willing to take any place they find.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cParents and students should do their homework as well as visit the university\u2019s website to find accredited accommodation. Ask questions of landlords and never pay any money upfront, especially when the landlord pushes for payment before even visiting the property.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Herman Cadman, fellow landlord and member of the work group\u2019s executive, said many landlords rented privately to students, in which case they felt no obligation to follow any prescribed, standardised renting criteria. He said the work group was open to all landlords and would work directly with prospective renters via its Facebook page, \u201cLandlords Idas Valley and Cloetesville\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The university has also warned students to beware of rental scams.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It says red flags include not wanting to meet in person, prices being too good to be true and a demand that a deposit be paid via instant money transfer services.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n Eikestadnuus<\/i> has tired to get hold of Brandt, but has had no success.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Martin said after the complainant discovered the rental was a scam he opened a case of fraud. It is being investigated by local police. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cRental scams are increasingly common so it is important to be vigilant when searching for a rental property,\u201d Martin cautioned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n