Paddocks Press – April 2018
The April 2018 edition of Paddocks Press is now available. Read more
Scheme Management solely by an executive managing agent
The Regulations to the Sectional Titles Schemes Management Act 8 of 2011 (“the STSMA”), and the Prescribed Management Rules (“PMR’s”), defines a managing agent as any person who provides scheme management services to a body corporate for reward, whether monetary or otherwise, including any person who is employed to render such services. Appointment of an…
How to insure owner-installed upgrades in sectional title units
Many sectional title owners renovate and upgrade their units over time with the aim of adding to their living comfort and market value. Unit upgrades typically include lapas, carports, swimming pools constructed on exclusive use areas, enclosed balconies, patios and added-on rooms, while more subtle upgrades might concern the installation of a security system or…
Q&A – 2018 04
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! Voting via Skype Member’s question: Hi Anton, Can an owner, who is overseas, attend a meeting and vote via Skype? Anton’s answer: Hi there, Yes, Prescribed Management Rule…
Paddocks Press – March 2018
The March 2018 edition of Paddocks Press is now available. Read more
11 actions trustees can approve in sectional title
Before 2011, the trustees were empowered to approve many actions within sectional titles schemes. For example, the trustees were entitled to let a portion of the common property to any owner or occupier of a section for a period of less than ten years. Such a lease agreement can only be entered into now on…
The Community Schemes Ombud Service and disputes
I remember studying the Roman Law maxim Communio est mater rixarum, which means “Co-ownership is the mother of disputes”. How true this is in community schemes! In this article, we will take a look at how the Community Schemes Ombud Service (“the CSOS”) defines disputes in community schemes. What is a dispute? The Community Schemes…
Q&A – 2018 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! Fines for not adhering to rules Member’s question: Hi Anton, In our new conduct rules which we have to approve on 27 March – the fines will be…
Levies – What you need to know
The Concept Whether you are an owner, a trustee, a managing agent or an attorney, you will agree that the contributions levied on members by the body corporate are essential to the efficient running of sectional title schemes. Often referred to as the “life-blood” of the body corporate, owners have to pay levies (now called…
Paddocks Press – February 2018
The February 2018 edition of Paddocks Press is now available.
Authorising use change in sectional title
It often occurs in sectional title schemes, that owners use parts of their sections or exclusive use areas for a purpose other than it was originally intended to be used. An example is, when an owner converts his garage into a bedroom or lounge. The reason why this would be problematic is that a garage…
Guidelines for choosing a managing agent
Choosing a portfolio manager for your scheme can often be a difficult task. Not only do you want to find a manager or management firm that can promptly and effectively deal with any issues that may arise, but you also want their services to be as good and as affordable as possible. To help you…
Q&A – 2018 2
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! Damages caused by a tenant in a sectional title complex Member’s question: Hi Anton, 1. Can an owner be kept liable for the damages caused by his tenant…
Paddocks Press – January 2018
The January 2018 edition of Paddocks Press is now available.
Proxies to attend meetings in home owners’ associations
The owners in community schemes generally make all the important decisions about how the scheme is run. They usually elect the scheme executives, in some types of schemes they approve a budget – meaning they effectively set the inevitable increase in the levy – and they make and change rules. All of these are very…