Terms of service.
This document forms the binding terms and conditions (“Agreement”) between Forge Property International (“Manager”, “we”, “our”, “us”), a registered property management company, and the property owner (“Client”, “you”, “your”). Collectively referred to as “the Parties.”
Purpose of Agreement
This Agreement sets out the terms under which the Manager will provide property management services for the Client’s property/properties, including residential, commercial, furnished, unfurnished, short-let, and long-let units, in accordance with the laws of Zimbabwe and other applicable Southern African jurisdictions.
Scope of Services
The Manager agrees to provide one or more of the following services, as agreed in the Schedule of Services annexed to this Agreement:
1. Tenant Sourcing & Screening: Marketing, advertising, and vetting prospective tenants through background checks, employment verification, and rental history.
2. Lease Administration: Preparing, negotiating, and renewing tenancy agreements on behalf of the Client.
3. Rent Collection: Invoicing, collecting, and transferring rental payments to the Client’s nominated account.
4. Deposit Handling: Collecting, securing, and administering tenant deposits in accordance with applicable tenancy laws.
5. Maintenance & Repairs: Coordinating repair works and property maintenance using qualified service providers.
6. Legal Compliance: Ensuring tenancy agreements and management activities comply with local laws, including municipal and housing authority requirements.
7. Financial Reporting: Providing monthly statements of rental income, expenses, and applicable deductions.
8. Investment Advisory: Advising the Client on ways to enhance property value and returns.
Jurisdiction-Specific Compliance
Zimbabwe: Compliance with Housing and Building Acts, Rent Regulations, Urban Councils Act, and any municipal by-laws.
Zambia: Compliance with the Landlord and Tenant Act and local authority housing codes.
Malawi: Compliance with municipal tenancy laws and the Registered Land Act.
South Africa: Compliance with the Rental Housing Act, Sectional Titles Schemes Management Act, and Consumer Protection Act.
All marketing, tenancy, and eviction activities must comply with relevant jurisdictional rules, including fair housing, anti-discrimination, and privacy regulations.
Term & Termination
This Agreement shall commence on the Commencement Date and remain in force until terminated.
Either Party may terminate with 60 days’ written notice.
Immediate termination may occur in the event of material breach, insolvency, or illegal activity.
All outstanding fees and costs must be paid prior to termination taking effect.
Fees & Payment
Fees shall be charged according to the agreed service tier (Bronze, Silver, or Gold) and documented in the Fee Schedule. Fees may be calculated as a percentage of gross monthly rent or as a fixed amount per property. Payment is due within 7 days of invoice. Late payments will attract interest at 10% per month until paid.
Deposit Handling
The Manager will collect tenant security deposits and hold them in a dedicated trust or escrow account, separate from operational funds. Deposits will be applied towards tenant damages, unpaid rent, or other breaches of the lease, in accordance with the applicable jurisdiction’s tenancy laws. Upon tenant departure, any remaining deposit balance will be refunded to the tenant within 14–30 days, after deducting lawful charges.
Eviction Support
If a tenant breaches their lease agreement, the Manager will initiate eviction proceedings in compliance with applicable tenancy legislation (e.g., Zimbabwe’s Rent Regulations). The Manager may coordinate with legal counsel for court applications, sheriff services, or tribunal hearings. All legal and associated costs for eviction will be borne by the Client unless otherwise agreed in writing.
Liability & Insurance
The Client must maintain adequate property and landlord insurance, including public liability, building, and contents cover. The Manager will not be held liable for:
- Loss or damage caused by tenant negligence, natural disasters, or criminal activity.
- Indirect or consequential losses (loss of income, vacancy periods, etc.). The Manager will maintain professional indemnity insurance for its operations.
Force Majeure
Neither Party shall be liable for delays or failure to perform obligations under this Agreement due to events beyond reasonable control, including natural disasters, war, civil unrest, pandemics, or government-imposed restrictions.
Dispute Resolution
Any disputes will first be referred to mediation. If unresolved, disputes may be escalated to the relevant Rent Board, Commercial. Arbitration Centre, or High Court of the jurisdiction in which the property is located. The governing law shall be that of the property’s location unless otherwise agreed.
Confidentiality
The Parties agree to keep all non-public information strictly confidential, except where disclosure is required by law.
Changes to Agreement
We reserve the right to amend these terms with 30 days’ notice to the Client. Continued use of our services constitutes acceptance of any changes.