Paddocks Press – August 2018
The August 2018 edition of Paddocks Press is now available.
Fill in the form. What form?
There are a number of forms provided for community scheme managers and residents to use in various situations. Some must be used for routine statutory submissions to various authorities and some are used internally in the scheme, to apply for and grant consents or appoint representatives to attend meetings when the member is unable to…
Diving into the scheme’s maintenance, repair and replacement fund when your back’s against the wall
One of the biggest challenges managing agents and trustees often face is how to deal with a significant expense that no one anticipated. The requirement for a 10 year maintenance, repair and replacement plan (“MR&R plan”) has forced trustees to think and plan ahead, however some expenses remain quite simply unforeseeable. A practical example of…
Q&A – 2018 08
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! Owner/Trustee/Caretaker remuneration Member’s question: Good day Paddocks, Background: An Owner that is part of the Trustee committee and also elected as a Caretaker that receives a remuneration from…
Paddocks Press – July 2018
The July 2018 edition of Paddocks Press is now available. Read more
Unpacking special resolutions
In sectional title schemes, there are many different types of decisions that can be taken, and in each case, the requirements for such a decision or vote is different and often more complicated than the prior resolution. It is important in order for the proper administration and management of the scheme that the requirements for…
Can trustees be paid?
Having worked closely with countless trustees over the past 4 years, I can confidently say that most of them have one thing in common – a frustration with the thankless position they find themselves in. If you have ever served on a body corporate’s board of trustees you will know that the job comes with…
Q&A – 2018 07
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! Staff at the annual general meeting Member’s question: Good day, We had an annual general meeting last week. I was surprised that the caretaker was at the meeting…
Paddocks Press – June 2018
The June 2018 edition of Paddocks Press is now available. Read more
The Chairman – King of the castle or just another knight at the round table?
A phrase commonly used by many a rule breaker and approval seeker in sectional title is: “but the Chairman said it’s OK!” When interacting with some owners and tenants living within sectional title schemes the picture often painted of the chairman is one of a powerful leader, mighty decision-maker and almost Hollywood-like “ruler over all…
To pay or not to pay – Are you allowed to withhold contributions?
When it comes to a dispute with the body corporate, we are often asked by an owner in a sectional title scheme, as to whether they can withhold payment of their contributions, until such time as their dispute has been resolved. The simple answer to this question is no! An owner cannot refuse to pay…
Q&A – 2018 06
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! Trustee in arrears and still defaults on repayments Member’s question: Good day, There is a trustee who is in arrears with his levies and was handed over to…
Paddocks Press – May 2018
The May 2018 edition of Paddocks Press is now available. Read more
Does sectional title legislation apply to home owners’ associations?
By now, you should be aware that the Sectional Titles Schemes Management Act (“the STSMA”) and the Community Schemes Ombud Service Act (“the CSOSA”) came into operation on 7 October 2016. In our consulting department, we receive many queries from home owners’ associations (“HOA’s”) as to whether the provisions of the STSMA are applicable to…
Responsibility to repair and replace windows and doors
I often get queries on who is responsible for the maintenance (including repair or replacement) of windows and doors within sectional title schemes. In this article, I will address the financial responsibility for maintenance of the windows and doors (including garage doors). In order to answer these questions I will examine: What divides a section…