"Realtors Need to Start Respecting Us": South African Calls Out Overpriced Bloemfontein Rentals

• A content creator sparks a conversation online by criticising the state of rental apartments in Bloemfontein
• The apartments in question have questionable layouts and conditions despite high monthly prices
• The TikTok video resonated with many South Africans who shared concerns about affordability and living standards in rental housing

A Bloemfontein content creator has sparked conversation online after sharing a video dragging the state of rental apartments in the city, particularly those costing around R6,000 per month.

South Africans are grappling with rising living costs, according to Insurance.co.za, an inflation rate of 11.3%, significantly higher than the national average of 6.8%. This has led to a significant increase in the cost of basic necessities like food, fuel, and electricity, causing 77% of South Africans to cut back on spending, seek extra jobs, or take on debt. The situation raises concerns about economic stability and social support.

SA gent drags R6k Bloemfontein apartments

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A man took to his social media account under the handle @t.c.ramasela expressed frustration with what he described as poor value for money, urging local realtors to:

"Start respecting us like we respect each other.”

@t.c.ramasela showcased several units listed in Bloemfontein, highlighting questionable layouts and conditions that he believes do not justify their high monthly prices.

The first apartment he toured, costing R6,000, was described as one of the “better” options. However, @t.c.ramasela criticised its unusual design, pointing out that the bathroom and shower were positioned directly in the kitchen.

“You are paying R6k every month so that your toilet is next to where you cook, like it’s right there,” he said, visibly unimpressed.

He then moved on to another listing priced at R5,800 per month, but again found fault with the kitchen area, saying it was below standard for the price being asked.

The final property he viewed left him even more disappointed. Priced at R6,000, the fully furnished unit was located in the backyard of another home. @t.c.ramasela argued that such an arrangement offered little privacy or comfort despite the steep rent.

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The video that was posted on 21 August 2025 on TikTok quickly resonated with many South Africans, especially young professionals and students, who echoed his concerns about affordability and living standards in rental housing. Rising rental prices in Bloemfontein and other cities have increasingly come under scrutiny, with tenants questioning whether landlords and agents are offering fair value.

For now, his viral video has added fuel to the growing debate over rental costs and living conditions in Mzansi’s property market.

Take a look at the video of the houses below:

Mzansi reacts to the rental price

South Africans had mixed reactions, with some agreeing that R6k seemed excessive for properties that were so small, as they took to the comments section to express their thoughts.

Tumelo Mokejane Ka M wrote:

"Bloemfontein apartments are expensive for nothing, yet they look like a crime scene or some spooky house."

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Mandla Thwala added:

"Student accommodations are even worse."

Dorcas said:

"One thing about Bloem apartments, they will disappoint."

Lea’s Lens shared:

"What I was renting for 7k for a furnished 1-bedroom loft apartment."

Aneliswa Mpungose expressed:

"At least it’s your own apartment, Cape Town, you’ll share with the other 5 humans."

Reezy commented:

"Cape Town prices."

South Africans' voice of frustrations over Mzansi rent

• Briefly News reported that a young woman has left Mzansi in disbelief after sharing a video of a R16,000-per-month bachelor apartment in Cape Town.
• One lady in South Africa caused a massive stir on social media after showcasing an R8k rental in Cape Town that didn’t match the expectations for its price tag.
• A woman who goes by the handle @itsnabsx could not comprehend how such a small living space could be placed at such a hefty price.

Source: Briefly News