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

This comes just after NSFAS acquired reports about some accommodation companies who need NSFAS-funded students to pay for a deposit or top-up payment as a way to get use of the authorized private accommodation.

Friday, February 7, 2025
"NSFAS reminds accommodation suppliers of the compulsory conditions, as provided by the Standardised Fixed-Term Lease Arrangement involving the non-public accommodation suppliers and NSFAS funded students," NSFAS reported in a press release on Thursday.

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

"The lessor may not require or allow the lessee to pay for a deposit, top-up payments, or some other kinds of payment to the lessor, or any other person in connection with this arrangement, which include payment of rent, although awaiting payment from NSFAS. The lessor shall have no recourse versus the lessee for any default from the payment of rent by NSFAS," the agreement reads.

The NSFAS conditions and terms for private accommodation companies’ participation on the student read more accommodation nsfas academic pathways portal also states that: "Where the NSFAS-funded student is defunded because of an incorrect determination by NSFAS, the student will not be chargeable for payment of any arrear rent for the accommodation company, up until eventually the date nsfas eligibility criteria of being defunded."

NSFAS explained that in click here which the NSFAS-funded student chooses to continue occupying the leased premises, notwithstanding getting defunded by NSFAS, the scholar are going to be accountable for payment of rent for the lessor within the day of remaining 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, nsfas university allowances must be dealt with in accordance with any dispute resolution procedure determined by NSFAS for this purpose.
From: SAnews.gov.za