By Jonews Reporter
GAUTENG housing MEC Paul Mashatile has warned inner city residents against unscrupulous landlords, who exploit unsuspecting tenants by pocketing their money meant for rates and services.
"Rental accommodation in the inner city continues to be a big problem, especially the relationship between tenants and landlords - these include high rentals for bad accommodation charged by landlords and often not rendering services expected from them," Mashatile said.
He was speaking during a public meeting at the Cathedral of Christ the King in Doornfontein on Thursday evening, as part of the provincial government's "Let's Talk Campaign", which involves direct interaction and dialogue with Gauteng residents. Mashatile was accompanied by other MECs, executive mayor Amos Masondo and city councillors.
Residents called for a plan to ensure proper management of buildings in the inner city.
City of Johannesburg representatives told residents at the meeting about the better buildings programme to revamp and ensure proper management of inner city buildings.
The Gauteng Rental Housing Tribunal has also been established to transform owner-tenant relations. Tribunals are statutory bodies, which have powers similar to those of magistrate's courts. They can subpoena people and issue fines or sentence a person to prison if found guilty of an offence.
"People should use the tribunal and not always wait for problems to arise. The City Council has a responsibility to close buildings that are not suitable for human habitation. If the tribunal does not assist you, then you have a right to come to the housing department," Mashatile said.
Through the social housing programme, the provincial government aims to increase its capacity to provide decent affordable accommodation, especially in the cities. It also aims to promote the provision of housing stock for instalment sale and collective ownership in the form of co-operatives.
Since housing issues topped the list of concerns of inner city residents at the meeting, Mashatile made a commitment that housing officials from the Gauteng government, City of Johannesburg and Housing Tribunal, would hold another meeting with residents in July.
