The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has urged landlords to not require a deposit or top-up payment from NSFAS-funded students.

This comes following NSFAS been given experiences about some accommodation providers who require NSFAS-funded students to pay for a deposit or top-up payment as a way to get access to the authorised private accommodation.

Friday, February 7, 2025
"NSFAS reminds accommodation suppliers on the obligatory conditions, as supplied by the Standardised Fixed-Term Lease Agreement in between the personal accommodation providers and NSFAS funded students," NSFAS explained in an announcement on Thursday.

The Standardised Fixed-Term Lease Agreement states which the lease is going to be paid month-to-month to the accommodation supplier (lessor) by NSFAS, on behalf on the lessee (NSFAS funded student), in accordance using the NSFAS conditions and terms for personal accommodation vendors’ participation on the student accommodation portal.

"The lessor may not need or allow the lessee to pay a deposit, top-up payments, or another kinds of payment for the lessor, or another person in reference to this arrangement, including payment of hire, though awaiting payment from NSFAS. The lessor shall have no recourse versus the lessee for any default from the payment of rent by NSFAS," the arrangement reads.

The NSFAS terms and conditions for private accommodation providers’ participation on the student accommodation portal also states here that: "Where the NSFAS-funded student is defunded as a result of an read more incorrect determination by NSFAS, the student will not be responsible for payment of any arrear rent to the accommodation provider, up until finally the date of being defunded."

NSFAS stated that in which the NSFAS-funded student chooses to carry on occupying the leased premises, notwithstanding currently being defunded by NSFAS, the scholar will be answerable for nsfas status check payment here of lease to your lessor from the date of getting defunded.

"Where the student is defunded by NSFAS due to a misrepresentation by the lessee/guardian at any stage, the student must immediately vacate the leased property; and will be liable for payment of all rent due to the accommodation provider.

"Where the student moves, accommodation providers without the prior approval of NSFAS, NSFAS may elect not to pay any rental to the new accommodation provider, and any such rental payments will be for the student own account," the scheme said.

The scheme emphasised that any dispute arising between the parties regarding the interpretation or implementation of the agreement, must more info be dealt with in accordance with any dispute resolution procedure determined by NSFAS for this purpose.
From: SAnews.gov.za