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Live Well at Somerlife – Modern Rentals in Somerset West

Come home to Somerlife — a warm, welcoming rental-only community where working individuals and families earning under R22,000 per month can enjoy safe, comfortable living and a true sense of belonging. We offer safe, comfortable, long-term rental living in a well-managed environment where residents can feel secure and at home. The development will include modern Studio, 1- and 2-bedroom apartments, designed for everyday living and peace of mind. Homes are located within a secure, access-controlled community that is professionally managed. Somerlife is an EDGE-certified development, which means lower water and electricity use — helping residents save on monthly utility costs. To make daily life easier for families, Somerlife will also offer an on-site crèche (ECD facility) and convenient retail space within the community.

STUDIO

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Units

Studio, 1 & 2-bedroom apartment options
Open-plan kitchen and living areas
Built-in kitchen cupboards
Built-in bedroom wardrobes
Fully tiled floors for durability and easy maintenance
Modern bathroom finishes
Security gates and burglar bars
Electric geysers assisted by solar panels
Pre-paid water
Pre-paid electricity
Fibre-ready connectivity
Energy-efficient lighting and fittings
Designed for natural light and ventilation

Building

Biometric access control
24-hour security & manned gatehouse
Electric fencing & Access-controlled perimeter
EDGE-certified green building design
Play parks
Braai areas
Soccer Field
Landscaped communal spaces
Pedestrian-friendly layout
500 Parking bays @ R150 pm

On-site services

Shops within the development
Creche
Neighbourhood retail space
Designed to support local entrepreneurs
Walkable internal layout

APPLICATIONS

BASIC ELIGIBILITY

Who can apply?

Any South African citizen or permanent resident, 18 years or older, with a valid South African ID and a regular income within the qualifying income bracket (below R22 000 combined household income).

Can someone under 18 apply?

No. Applicants must be legally able to enter into a lease agreement.

Can foreign nationals apply?

No. SHRA regulations require applicants to be permanent South African residents.

Can unemployed people apply?

No. Applicants must provide proof of regular income sufficient to meet affordability requirements.

Can someone else pay my rent for me?

No. Only qualifying occupants who meet SHRA regulations may enter into a lease agreement.

INCOME & AFFORDABILITY

What is the income limit?

Total combined household income must not exceed R22 000 per month.

What is the minimum income required?

The monthly rental may not exceed approximately 30% of gross household income.

Do you use gross or net income?

Affordability is calculated using gross income. Net income and bank statements are reviewed to confirm sustainability.

Can two people combine income?

Yes, provided both applicants will reside in the unit and both meet SHRA conditions and requirements.

Does overtime or commission count?

No. Overtime and commission are variable and cannot be considered guaranteed income for qualification purposes.

Does SASSA or child support count?

SASSA income may be considered. Child support and other irregular income will not be considered as primary qualifying income.

What if income fluctuates

Income is assessed based on recent verified earnings. Stability and consistency are required.

What if I earn slightly above the maximum?

Applicants exceeding the SHRA income cap do not qualify for this development.

DOCUMENTS

What documents are required?

South African ID
3 months’ payslips
3 months’ bank statements
Proof of address

What if I do not have 3 months’ payslips?

An employment contract indicating remuneration and start date may be considered, subject to management approval.

Can I submit photos of documents?

Yes, provided they are clear, complete, and legible.

Do documents need to be certified?

Only if specifically requested during verification.

CREDIT & SCREENING

Do you do a credit check?

Yes. All applicants are subject to credit and background screening.

Can I apply if I am blacklisted?

No. The Rental Housing Act requires applicants to have a good credit history.

Does applying affect my credit score?

A standard enquiry may reflect on your credit profile but does not negatively affect your score under normal circumstances.

What if I am under debt review?

Applicants under active debt review will not qualify unless the debt review process has been cleared.

PROCESS & TIMELINES

How long does approval take?

Applications are typically processed within 2–3 working days, provided all required documents are submitted.

Can I get same-day approval?

Same-day approval may be possible if all documentation is complete and screening is successful.

How will I be notified?

Applicants applying online will receive email feedback regarding the outcome.

What if documents are missing?

Processing will not begin until all required documents are submitted.

Can you hold a unit while I wait?

Units are only secured once approval is granted and full required payments are received.

PAYMENTS

How much is required upfront?

1 month’s deposit
1 month’s rent

Total: 2 × the monthly rental amount.

Is the deposit refundable?

Yes, subject to lease conditions and exit inspection.

Can the deposit be paid in instalments?

No. Full payment is required at least 48 hours prior to the occupation date.

Can someone else pay my deposit?

Yes, provided proof of payment is clear and traceable.

Can I pay cash?

No. Initial payments must be made via EFT. Thereafter, rental payments are strictly via debit order. No cash payments are accepted.

OCCUPANCY RULES

How many people may live in the unit?

Studio: Maximum 2 occupants (children included)
1 Bedroom: Maximum 2 occupants (children included)
2 Bedroom: Maximum 4 occupants (children included)

Can I add someone later?

Only with written approval and submission of updated documentation. Changes to occupancy are not permitted within the first 3 months of the lease.

Can I sublet?

No. Subletting is strictly prohibited.

DECLINED

Will you tell me why I was declined?

General reasons may be provided, subject to policy and compliance regulations.

Can I reapply?

Yes, if your financial circumstances change and you meet the qualifying criteria.

IF DECLINED

Will you tell me why I was declined?

General reasons may be provided, subject to policy and compliance regulations.

Can I reapply?

Yes, if your financial circumstances change and you meet the qualifying criteria.

COMMON CONCERNS

Is this a scam?

All payments are made to official company bank accounts only. No cash payments are accepted. Always verify payment details before transferring funds.

Why is the rent affordable?

Somerlife is developed under SHRA guidelines specifically for working households earning below R22 000 per month. Costs are managed through efficient design, scale, and structured regulation. Affordable does not mean low quality — it means intentionally priced for qualifying working families.

What happens if I provide false information?

Immediate disqualification and possible blacklisting.

What if I lose my job after approval?

The lease agreement remains legally binding. Tenants must inform management immediately.

Can I cancel after approval?

If payment has not been made, approval may lapse. Once the lease is signed, standard lease terms and cancellation clauses apply.

GENERAL

What is Somerlife?
Somerlife is a secure, professionally managed rental community in Somerset West for households earning up to R22,000 per month.

Is this temporary housing?
No. Somerlife offers structured, long-term residential leases.

Who manages the property?
The development is professionally managed with on-site administration and security, under the IHS Property brand.

UNITS & PRICING

What unit types are available?
1-bedroom and 2-bedroom apartments.

How much is the rent?
Rental amounts are linked to qualifying income bands and unit type.

Is a deposit required?
Yes. A standard rental deposit is required before occupation.

Are utilities included in the rent?
No. Water and electricity are pre-paid and billed separately.

Are the units fibre-ready?
Yes. All units are fibre-ready.

Do units include solar?

No unfortunately not.

SECURITY

What security measures are in place?
• Biometric access control
• 24-hour security
• Manned gatehouse
• Electric fencing
• Access-controlled perimeter

LIFESTYLE & FACILITIES

Is the development environmentally friendly?
Yes. The project is EDGE-certified and incorporates energy-efficient systems.

Is parking available?
Yes. Parking is limited and allocated according to availability.

Is there a parking fee?
Yes. Parking is charged monthly and escalates annually.

How many vehicles are allowed per resident?
One vehicle per resident.

LOCATION

Where is Somerlife located?
In Somerset West, with access to the N2 and major employment and retail nodes.

Are shops within walking distance?
Yes. On-site retail is included, with additional major retail nearby.

LIVING AT SOMERSLIFE

Are pets allowed?
Pet policies are subject to approval and management rules.

Can I run a business from my unit?
Home-based work is allowed if it does not generate public traffic or disturb neighbours.

Is fibre included in the rent?
A free 10Mbps uncapped fibre line is included for the first year only.

What makes Somerlife different?
Security. Structured management. Green-certified design. On-site convenience. And income-linked affordability.

OCCUPANCY RULES

How many people may live in the unit?

Studio: Maximum 2 occupants (children included)
1 Bedroom: Maximum 2 occupants (children included)
2 Bedroom: Maximum 4 occupants (children included)

Can I add someone later?

Only with written approval and submission of updated documentation. Changes to occupancy are not permitted within the first 3 months of the lease.

Can I sublet?

No. Subletting is strictly prohibited.

DECLINED

Will you tell me why I was declined?

General reasons may be provided, subject to policy and compliance regulations.

Can I reapply?

Yes, if your financial circumstances change and you meet the qualifying criteria.

IF DECLINED

Will you tell me why I was declined?

General reasons may be provided, subject to policy and compliance regulations.

Can I reapply?

Yes, if your financial circumstances change and you meet the qualifying criteria.

COMMON CONCERNS

Is this a scam?

All payments are made to official company bank accounts only. No cash payments are accepted. Always verify payment details before transferring funds.

Why is the rent affordable?

What happens if I provide false information?

Immediate disqualification and possible blacklisting.

What if I lose my job after approval?

The lease agreement remains legally binding. Tenants must inform management immediately.

Can I cancel after approval?

If payment has not been made, approval may lapse. Once the lease is signed, standard lease terms and cancellation clauses apply.

Location & Key Access Nodes

Somerlife is located in Somerset West, one of the Western Cape’s fastest-growing residential and employment nodes. Designed for convenience, connectivity, and reduced daily transport costs.