Paddocks Press – March 2020
The March 2020 edition of Paddocks Press is now available.
All in favour? All opposed?
I recently presented a workshop during which I discussed with those in attendance the requirement and importance of having members of bodies corporate cast their votes on voting cards at the scheme’s general meetings. Some of the feedback I received from managing agents attending the workshop included “But we have been voting by show of…
HOA NPC – Ensure compliance with CIPC checklist
On 13 August 2019 the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) announced that from 1 January 2020 it will be mandatory for all companies to complete a Compliance Checklist before submitting their annual returns. This Compliance Checklist requires entities to declare their compliance status with the mandatory requirements of the Companies Act, 71 of 2008…
Q&A – 2020 03
By the Paddocks Club team Below are examples of two questions on the Paddocks Club discussion forum, to show you what is available to our Community members! Trustees wish to delay the annual general meeting due to COVID-19 Member’s question: Good day Paddocks, As we are all aware, with the worldwide and nationwide spread of…
Paddocks Press – February 2020
The February 2020 edition of Paddocks Press is now available.
Unenforceable apartheid-style rules
I have come across many absurd scheme governance rules over the years, but one in particular is an outdated apartheid-style rule relating to domestic employees and the various restrictions placed on them, often referred to as “domestic rules”. Many community schemes in South Africa have rules aimed at prohibiting domestic employees from entering and moving…
We just can’t obtain an unanimous resolution – now what?
Unanimous resolutions are notoriously difficult to obtain. Before voting for or against, this type of resolution can even commence at general meetings, you need to have at least 80% of the body corporate’s members in value and number present or represented at the meeting (which anyone with sectional title experience will tell you is near…
Q&A – 2020 02
By the Paddocks Club team Below are examples of two questions on the Paddocks Club discussion forum, to show you what is available to our Community members! Who must repair leaking pipes in a section? Member’s question: Good day Paddocks, Please advise who is responsible for the repairs of leaking geyser pipes in a unit?…
Paddocks Press – January 2020
The January 2020 edition of Paddocks Press is now available.
Developing a sectional title scheme? Remember this.
With sectional title units remaining a very popular choice amongst first time buyers as well as those wishing to scale down (even in a tough economic climate), it is no surprise that more and more people are trying their hand at developing sectional title schemes. This can be as simple as building 2 houses on…
The evolution of the CSOS appeal procedure
The procedure to be followed to appeal a CSOS adjudicator’s order is not one for which provision is made in terms of the rules of court, and no procedure has been prescribed for it in terms of the Community Schemes Ombud Services Act (“the CSOS Act”) or the regulations made thereunder. However, following the judgment…
Q&A – 2020 01
By the Paddocks Club team Below are examples of two questions on the Paddocks Club discussion forum, to show you what is available to our Community members! Alleged trustee assault on teenager: What should other trustees do? Member’s question: Good morning Team, The scenario: A Trustee has physically injured / assaulted a 15 year old…
Paddocks Press – December 2019
The December 2019 edition of Paddocks Press is now available.
Owners have duties too
The vast majority of complaints I get about the management of sectional title schemes, are from owners who claim that their scheme’s managing agent and/or trustees are in some way failing in their duties. It is interesting how we are able to recognise the failures of others, while often being blind to our own responsibilities….
Can a body corporate accept a unit from an owner to settle substantial overdue levies?
We all know times are tough, and the reality is that some people cannot afford to pay their levies. They should sell, and as quickly as possible, but often they hold on too long and run up major debt to the body corporate in the form of unpaid levies. Once the legal fees are added,…