NSFAS warns against deposits or top-up payments
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme has warned accommodation providers to stop demanding deposits or top-up payments from funded students.
A statement issued on Thursday reminded landlords that the standard lease agreement prohibits extra payments, as rent is paid directly to them.
The scheme’s spokesperson, Ishmael Mnisi, also clarified that if a student is defunded due to an error, they will not be responsible for unpaid rent until the defunding date.
“The rent will be paid monthly to the accommodation provider by NSFAS on behalf of the NSFAS-funded student, in accordance with the NSFAS Terms and Conditions for Private Accommodation Providers’ Participation on the Student Accommodation Portal.”
“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's own account.
“Any dispute arising between the parties regarding the interpretation or implementation of this agreement must be dealt with in accordance with any dispute resolution procedure determined by NSFAS for this purpose,” Mnisi added.
ALSO READ:
