Invitation Homes | FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How can I connect to the internet?

All Invitation Homes apartments or houses are hard-wired with state-of-the-art fibre-to-the-home (FTTH). This high-speed fibre optic network allows you to get online. This is an open-access network, which means that you have a choice of several different Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to choose from, each of whom will offer a choice of several different packages. Please consult the FTTH leaflet in your hand-over pack to see which ISPs are available in your development. Once you have chosen your package, follow the directions provided by your ISP to connect your computer and your mobile phone to the network.

2. How do I access my DStv?

All Invitation Homes apartments or houses are hard-wired with state-of-the-art fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) which in addition to connecting you to the internet, can carry the broadcast signal from DStv to your decoder. This means that no external dish or antenna is necessary. Simply connect your DStv decoder to the FTTH terminal in your home and enjoy your favourite DStv programmes. You will need to have an active DStv subscription in order to enjoy this service.

3. What costs am I liable for apart from the rent?

As a tenant, you are liable for the cost of the water and electricity you consume, which are both payable on a pre-paid basis. In other words, you have to buy electricity and water units upfront before you can use them. This may be done very conveniently through our Smart Wallet system.

4. How does the Smart Wallet work?

The Invitation Homes Smart Wallet is a single payment solution for the payment of your rent, your electricity and your water bills. You simply transfer funds from your bank account into your Smart Wallet, and your rental, electricity and water bills will be automatically paid on the appropriate day of the month. You can also use the Smart Wallet to check on your electricity and water consumption, as your usage will be updated on the Smart Wallet app every fifteen minutes.

5. How do I report maintenance issues?

To make the reporting of any maintenance issues in your apartment, house or in the common areas of the development as simple and convenient as possible, we have set up a dedicated online reporting platform called FixFlow. This system makes it quick and easy to register any problems, and will automatically alert the relevant maintenance service provider, so we can address problems as soon as possible. To login to the FixFlow app, please click here.

6. What are the Conduct Rules for this development?

Each Invitation Homes development has its own specific Conduct Rules which specify what can and can’t be done in that development. To download the Conduct Rules for your development, please click here.

7. What documents do I need to apply for an Invitation Homes lease?

To apply for an Invitation Homes lease, you will need:

  • A valid South African identity document or passport, or a passport with a valid South African work permit
  • Proof that you are permanently employed
  • Proof of your gross monthly income
  • Three months’ pay slips or three months’ bank statements
8. Am I allowed to keep pets in this development?

Most of our developments are pet-friendly, but this is subject to the Conduct Rules of each development. To access the Conduct Rules of your development, please click here.

9. Will my apartment or house be inspected?

Yes. To keep our apartments and houses in tip-top shape, every Invitation Homes property will be inspected three times during every 12-month period. There will be an Incoming Inspection, an Outgoing Inspection and an Interim Inspection. All of these will be scheduled as far as possible at the convenience of the tenant.

10. Do I need to pay a deposit?

Yes. We require a two-month deposit upfront. This will be kept in a trust account during the period of your lease, and returned to you upon termination of your lease, less any expenses that might need to be deducted for repairs or maintenance for which the tenant is responsible.