The Property Poser panel has been inundated with queries from former tenants whose rental deposits have been unlawfully withheld by their landlords. This week, a reader writes that she vacated a rental property just over two months ago and was told by her landlord that she would have to wait 30 days before her deposit was repaid. She was also informed that she would receive only the original amount paid, without any accrued interest. The reader says she is still waiting for her deposit … [Read more...] about How to reclaim your rental deposit
Columns
For Fast Acting Relief, Try Slowing Down
As we approach the end of the year, it seems everyone shifts into overdrive and life moves even faster than it does usually. Considering how fast paced life is on any given day – it becomes almost scary how much we begin to expect of ourselves. It is perhaps therefore no wonder that in recent weeks I have noticed more than ever, how the yogis who practice at Heal. Love. Yoga need and appreciate the downtime during practice. It has never been unheard of for people step onto the mat and with … [Read more...] about For Fast Acting Relief, Try Slowing Down
Is it possible to lose fat by eating fat?
It may be hard to believe, but the answer is 'yes'! We've been made to believe that a high carbohydrate (60% of daily calorie intake), low fat (15%) and moderate protein (25%) diet is the way to stay healthy and slim. Clearly this is an outdated belief, since the world's nations are eating less fat than they ever used to, but are experiencing greater incidences of obesity, diabetes, heart disease and other lifestyle diseases. Let's take a look at the best way to achieve ideal body weight and … [Read more...] about Is it possible to lose fat by eating fat?
Electrifying dispute over wall
A reader has asked the Property Poser panel to help resolve a boundary wall dispute between her and her neighbour. She explains that a vibracrete wall, which is in perfect condition, separates their properties from each other. In addition, the reader has had a fully compliant electric fence installed above the wall. Recently, the neighbour approached her with the idea of taking down the existing wall and replacing it with a brick version. His reason for doing so is that he plans to build … [Read more...] about Electrifying dispute over wall
‘Silly season’ financial tips
With shopping centres already bustling in Port Elizabeth, here are some financial tips for surviving the silly season and stretching your bonus. Although the festive season is traditionally a time of giving, one should remain financially smart at all times. PWM Financial Management had a look at the South African Savings Institute's (SASI) annual Festive Season Savings Campaign and came up with some pointers for your benefit. Their aim is to help consumers avoid unnecessary overspending … [Read more...] about ‘Silly season’ financial tips
‘Tis the Season to be Grateful
When it gets to this time of the year I tend to dedicate my personal yoga practice to practicing gratitude. In the practice of yoga we have the option to deepen the practice by dedicating it to some purpose or to just bring our full focus and awareness onto a particular subject – such as gratitude, love, an affirmation or perhaps some aspect related to our religion. The way in which we move in yoga allows us to bring whatever we focus on right into our bodies – with very powerful effect. In … [Read more...] about ‘Tis the Season to be Grateful
Is your child at danger in your home?
As concerned and loving parents, we do our very best to protect our children from any and all potentials dangers. What about those dangers lurking in our home? We’re talking about exposure to synthetic chemicals, plastics, sound-carrying waves, low-level radiation, electro-magnetic pollution and environmental pollution. All these things can affect the health of our children. They can lead to the possibility of future lifestyle diseases or the worsening of current health problems. … [Read more...] about Is your child at danger in your home?
Reluctant seller derails property transaction
This week the Property Poser panel considers a property transaction, which has come to a halt due to the seller's sudden reluctance to sell. The prospective buyer writes that he concluded an agreement of sale with the seller for R1.6 million. It has since transpired that the outstanding mortgage bond on the property is R1.58 million and that there are outstanding rates of R80 000. The seller's monetary obligation thus exceeds the amount that would be realised from the sale of the property. … [Read more...] about Reluctant seller derails property transaction
How to make your own household cleaning products cheaply and safely
All commercial household cleaning products have the potential to negatively impact on your health. They contain chemicals which are poisonous if swallowed, leach toxins into the air and are inhaled (affecting the lungs) and once you touch a surface just cleaned you'll absorb them through the skin, forcing the liver to have to metabolise them. In addition, they’re very damaging to the environment. There are many easy and very cheap ways to make up your own cleaning products and they usually … [Read more...] about How to make your own household cleaning products cheaply and safely
4 Years and repairs still not done
A reader asks the Property Poser experts whether he can take his landlord to task over repairs that have been left undone since he moved in four years ago. Although no joint inspection was carried out when the tenant and his wife first took occupation, the reader says he inspected the flat on his own and compiled a list of problems. This document was duly presented to the landlord. He signed it and undertook to repair the identified problem areas but did not live up to his word. The … [Read more...] about 4 Years and repairs still not done
A Crash Course in Yoga Philosophy
Millions of people the world over practice yoga for all its amazing health benefits. For the majority of these people yoga consists only of physical postures, known as ‘asanas’, which in miraculous ways not only physically stretches tones and strengthens, but it stimulates organ functioning, improves energy levels and flow in the body, and ‘something special’ happens when you practice these asanas - with the deep slow breathing that goes along with it – leaving you feeling calmer, relaxed, more … [Read more...] about A Crash Course in Yoga Philosophy
Is commercial toothpaste safe?
Toothpaste is used daily and in (sometimes) generous amounts. While fluoridated toothpaste may have some value topically, the fact that much of it is swallowed during use is what poses a danger to your health. This is because the fluoride used in such products is sodium fluoride (a by-product of, primarily, the phosphate fertilizer industry). We've all been led to believe fluoride is good for maintaining healthy teeth, but this just isn't the truth at all. Data compiled by the World Health … [Read more...] about Is commercial toothpaste safe?
Unjust landlord gives two weeks’ notice
A tenant has approached the Property Poser experts about how to deal with a particularly difficult and unjust landlord. The reader explains that her problems began shortly after taking occupation of the rental property in February this year. It seems that the landlord presented her with a lease agreement for her to sign but the agreement was defective. It stated that the reader would pay no deposit when, in actual fact, she had paid a deposit commensurate with a month's rental. At the … [Read more...] about Unjust landlord gives two weeks’ notice
5 Reasons how Yoga can sort out back pain
At the Heal. Love. Yoga Studio we offer dedicated classes for people with various kinds of back pain. The reality of back pain however – is that even students who attend mainstream classes suffer from back pain at some point in their lives but– their back pain just hasn't become as severe or debilitating. Back pain is such a common issue that lots of people assume it to be a natural part of life and simply 'try' to live with it. Physiotherapists and Chiropractors have full waiting rooms … [Read more...] about 5 Reasons how Yoga can sort out back pain
What you should feed your kids
For all the conveniences our modern world has to offer, it poses some very really threats to your children's health. These threats come in the shape of chronic lifestyle diseases such as diabetes, obesity, allergies, ADHD, learning disabilities, cancer and asthma, to name a few. To combat these dangers, it's important to understand the following. What children eat and drink, directly impacts on their state of health and their ability to fight disease and illness. Chemical … [Read more...] about What you should feed your kids
