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Stop the eviction: 4 months of rent for Francois's family in East London

A cut in working hours left Francois short on rent for 4 months; help us stay in our home.

🇿🇦 South Africa1,383 views
Francois B. Steyn
Email verified
East London
When the packaging plant closed in October, I fell 4 months behind on rent. Last Tuesday a court summons for non-payment was taped to my door, and the amount I owe is $750. My landlord has been understanding for a while, but he has now been clear: if the arrears aren't cleared by December, we must leave. I have a teenager still in school at home. Moving isn't just an expense - it would mean new schools, a new commute and no deposit to put down anywhere else. I have started working two part-time jobs, and I'm applying for help from local services, but nothing will arrive in time without the rest of the gap covered here. The money will be paid directly to the landlord and I'll upload the receipt once it's done. Where the $750 goes: • Rent arrears (4 months): $430 • Late fees and court costs: $105 • Utilities in arrears: $35 • First month of rent as a buffer: $180 Please ask me anything in the questions section. I'll answer honestly and quickly.
due date
2026-01-10
bill type
Rent arrears
#rent#eviction-prevention#family#housing

Updates from Francois

  1. 100% there. the plan for first month of rent as a buffer is now scheduled. Thank you.

  2. Wanted to say thank you properly. 84% funded and I met with the landlord and confirmed the amounts.

  3. We're at 25% thanks to 5 of you. we've started the first stage. More news soon.

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    “Sending love. Only $338 but hope it helps. - Manila”

  • Jitra Saelim 🇹🇭 · $100
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    “Take care of yourselves. This is from my last paycheck, glad to do it. - Tangier”

  • Emma Ferraro 🇮🇹 · $70
  • Jia Hu 🇨🇦 · $56.50

    “Rooting for you. Saw your post and had to give. - Kelowna”

  • Hauwa Temitope Okafor 🇳🇬 · $50

    “Rooting for you. Thought of Francois all day after reading this. - Ogbomosho”

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    “Every little bit. Thought of Francois all day after reading this. - Mumbai”

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    “Blessings. My sister told me about this one. - Rochester”

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  • Rafael Arthur Pereira 🇧🇷 · $10

    “God bless. Thought of Francois all day after reading this. - Ribeirão Preto”

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  • Tejal A. NaikQuestion

    is there a list of costs somewhere? Just curious how it adds up for Francois

    • Francois B. SteynOwnerAnswer

      Rent arrears (4 months) is $430 of it. Everything else is listed in the story and nothing outside that list comes out of this page. Appreciate you taking the time.

  • Benjamin Isaac Quartey

    Rooting for you. It takes guts to ask. Well done. We're a small family in Johannesburg but we're thinking of you.

    • Pradeep G. Rathore

      I hope your landlord gives you a bit more time while this comes together. Thinking of East London

      • Goro Ueno

        Good luck, Francois. Shared it with a few friends. The breakdown of costs made it easy to trust.

        • Ryan M. Delgado

          Thinking of you and your family, Francois. I was in a similar spot a few years ago and it did get better. Greetings from Cork

          • Wayne L. PienaarPhoto verified

            Wishing you peace, Francois. Your post was clear and honest.

            • Hülya Özdemir

              Sending strength. I've been in a tough spot myself and it does get easier. I have a 6 year old who wants to send good wishes too. Love from Mumbai.

              • Jamila Fatima Nabulsi

                You're not alone. Looking forward to the next update. My late mom used to say help given quietly counts double!

                $1,104 raised of $750

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