Each application will be reviewed individually to consider what relief can be extended to the tenant. Relief may be in the form of rental deferment, rental reduction or use of the deposit, said Anthea Houston CEO of Communicare.
She said while Ramaphosa’s declaration of a National State of Disaster to curb the spread of the Covid-19 virus was in the interest of the wellbeing and safety of all in South Africa, the lockdown has severely disrupted our economy with grave impacts for those with low incomes in our society.
It presents new challenges for Communicare and our tenants, she added. ‘We understand that the lockdown may have thrown tenants’ income and livelihoods into turmoil. We are working with tenants to ease the impact of the lockdown on their families.
“I am pleased that the president announced increases in the grants for Sassa pensioners and in the Child Support grant. This will go some way to relieving the pressure on our most vulnerable tenants. However, we recognise that for many of our tenants, this may not be sufficient to relieve the impact this lockdown is having on their households,” said Houston
Many tenants are however battling to make ends meet and keep food on the table. “As a property owner, we are in a good position to help these tenants.”
Tenants are advised to contact the call centre to apply for rental relief by emailing [email protected] or calling 0800 266 737.
“Communicare is going through a tough time. All developments have ground to a halt, and we are currently uncertain what the impact will be on the planned new housing developments we have in the pipeline. We are planning for tough times ahead.”
“Despite these uncertain times, we will continue to do all we can to assist our tenants through this crisis. We are in this together and together we will get through it,” concluded Houston.