Terms & Conditions

Definitions

In these Terms and Conditions the following terms have the meanings assigned below:

• "Hilret Trust" means Hilret Trust (Pty) Ltd, operating student and professional accommodation at Botanic Grove, Berea, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal.
• "Residence" means any property owned or managed by Hilret Trust, including Houses 25, 28, 29, 35 and 39 on Botanic Grove, Berea.
• "Resident" means any person who has signed a lease agreement with Hilret Trust and occupies a room at a Residence.
• "Applicant" means any person who submits an application for accommodation.
• "Lease" means the written tenancy agreement entered into between Hilret Trust and a Resident.
• "Rent" means the monthly accommodation fee payable by the Resident in terms of the Lease.
• "Deposit" means the refundable security amount equal to one month's rent payable before move-in.

Application & Admission

2.1 All persons wishing to reside at a Hilret Trust property must complete the online application form in full and submit all required supporting documents before their application will be assessed.

2.2 Submission of an application does not guarantee admission. Hilret Trust reserves the right to accept or decline any application at its sole discretion.

2.3 Applicants must be 18 years of age or older. Hilret Trust does not provide accommodation to minors.

2.4 Applicants must provide truthful and accurate information. False or misleading information will result in immediate cancellation of the application or, if discovered after admission, termination of the Lease.

2.5 Hilret Trust does not accept NSFAS-funded applications. The following funding types are accepted:

• Self-funded (personal bank account / savings)
• Private bursary (supported by an award letter)
• Employer-sponsored (supported by a sponsorship letter)
• Family-supported (supported by proof of family income)

2.6 An application is confirmed only upon receipt of a signed Lease Agreement and payment of the Deposit.

Lease Agreement

3.1 A written Lease Agreement will be issued to each successful applicant prior to move-in. The Lease must be signed and returned before keys are handed over.

3.2 The Lease is personal to the Resident. Rooms may not be sublet, shared or transferred to any other person without prior written consent from Hilret Trust.

3.3 Standard lease periods are academic-year based (approximately 10–12 months). Shorter or longer arrangements may be agreed to in writing at management's discretion.

3.4 The Resident is entitled to quiet enjoyment of the room for the duration of the Lease, provided they comply with these Terms.

Rent & Payment

4.1 Monthly rent is due on or before the 1st day of each calendar month. Rent received after the 1st is considered late.

4.2 Current monthly rates are:

• House 28 — from R3,500 per month
• House 25, 35 & 39 — from R3,500 per month
• House 29 — from R3,500 per month

4.3 Rates are subject to annual review. Residents will receive at least 30 days' written notice of any increase.

4.4 Accepted payment methods: Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) or direct bursary / employer payment. Cash is not accepted. All payments must reference the Resident's name and room number.

4.5 A late payment fee of 10% of the monthly rent applies to accounts unpaid by the 7th of the month. Continued non-payment may result in termination of the Lease.

Deposit

5.1 A refundable security deposit equal to one month's rent is payable before or at move-in.

5.2 The deposit is held as security against damage, outstanding rent, or any other amounts owed at move-out.

5.3 The deposit will be refunded within 30 days of the move-out date, provided the room is vacated in the same condition as at move-in (fair wear and tear accepted), all outstanding amounts are settled, and all keys and access cards are returned.

5.4 An itemised statement of any deductions will be provided. The deposit may not be used as the final month's rent.

House Rules & Conduct

6.1 Residents must behave respectfully towards fellow residents, staff and neighbours at all times.

6.2 Quiet hours: Monday–Friday 22:00–07:00  |  Weekends & Public Holidays 23:00–08:00.

6.3 The following are strictly prohibited:

• Possession or consumption of illegal substances
• Excessive noise, parties or gatherings without prior approval
• Physical or verbal abuse of any person on the premises
• Damage to property, furniture or shared facilities
• Keeping any pets or animals on the premises
• Smoking inside any building or shared area
• Tampering with electrical, plumbing or security systems
• Operating a business from the premises without written consent

6.4 Visitors are permitted 08:00–21:00. All visitors must sign in at the security desk. Visitors may not use the room during the Resident's absence.

6.5 Residents are responsible for the behaviour of their visitors and will be held accountable for any damage or disturbance caused by a visitor.

Amenities & Utilities

7.1 The following are included in the monthly rent:

• Furnished room (bed, desk, wardrobe)
• High-speed fibre Wi-Fi (subject to a fair-use policy)
• Water and electricity (standard usage)
• Regular cleaning of all shared areas
• 24-hour security access

7.2 High-consumption appliances (air conditioners, heaters, hotplates) require prior approval and may incur additional charges.

7.3 Hilret Trust does not guarantee uninterrupted utility services due to factors outside its control (load-shedding, municipal outages). Such interruptions do not entitle Residents to a rent reduction.

Maintenance & Repairs

8.1 Hilret Trust is responsible for maintaining the structural integrity of buildings and shared facilities.

8.2 Non-urgent maintenance requests must be submitted in writing to the on-site residence manager. Hilret Trust will address non-urgent requests within 5–7 working days.

8.3 Emergencies (burst pipes, electrical faults, security breaches) must be reported immediately using the 24/7 emergency number in the Lease Agreement.

8.4 Residents must not carry out repairs or alterations themselves. Any alterations require prior written consent from management.

8.5 Damage caused by a Resident or their visitors will be repaired at the Resident's expense.

Termination & Move-out

9.1 Resident-initiated: A minimum of 30 calendar days' written notice is required before vacating. Early termination without adequate notice results in forfeiture of the deposit.

9.2 Hilret Trust-initiated: The Lease may be terminated in the event of non-payment, serious breach of these Terms, provision of false information, conduct endangering others, or illegal activity on the premises.

9.3 On the vacate date the Resident must remove all belongings, return all keys and access cards, allow a move-out inspection, and leave the room clean and in its original condition.

9.4 Belongings left behind after the vacate date may be disposed of after 7 days without liability.

Liability

10.1 Hilret Trust is not liable for the loss, theft or damage of any personal property. Residents are encouraged to obtain personal contents insurance.

10.2 Hilret Trust is not liable for loss or damage arising from circumstances beyond its reasonable control (power outages, natural disasters, civil unrest, or actions of third parties).

10.3 Residents indemnify Hilret Trust against any claims arising from injury, loss or damage caused by their own negligence or that of their visitors.

Amendments

11.1 Hilret Trust reserves the right to amend these Terms at any time. Residents will receive at least 30 days' written notice of material changes.

11.2 Continued occupation after the effective date of an amendment constitutes acceptance of the updated Terms.

Governing Law

12.1 These Terms are governed by the laws of the Republic of South Africa, including the Rental Housing Act 50 of 1999, the Consumer Protection Act 68 of 2008, and POPIA.

12.2 Any dispute shall first be submitted to the Rental Housing Tribunal of KwaZulu-Natal before any court proceedings are initiated.