As you know, community schemes have not escaped the effects of COVID-19 and need to comply with additional restrictions over and above the rules of the scheme. Here are some of the ways in which schemes have been impacted during the lockdown period: Utility services and facilities The use of utility services such as electricity, water and sewerage have increased as most residents...

The purpose of rules in a community scheme is to provide guidance on how residents, who share common facilities, must conduct themselves. Naturally, it is imperative that the rules are enforced in order to make them effective. Before we look at how to enforce rules, let’s first distinguish between the types of sectional title rules. Types of rules Sectional title schemes have management...

When the Sectional Titles Schemes Management Act no 8 of 2011 was promulgated in October 2016, many trustees and owners in sectional title schemes were under the impression that special levies were now a thing of the past. What lead to this impression was the obligatory requirement for a maintenance, repair and replacement plan (MRRP), compelling schemes to save for...

For many owners in a sectional title scheme, attending the annual general meeting (AGM) is the only opportunity to participate in discussions and decisions concerning the complex. The trustees are responsible for arranging and running the AGM with the help of their managing agent. The changes made to the Sectional Title Act along with the establishment of the Sectional Title Schemes...

Buying property in a community scheme remains a popular choice for many buyers whether they are first-time buyers or established buyers. Community schemes come in various shapes and sizes, and includes security estates, sectional title complexes, retirement developments and housing estates. Why are certain developments more suited to security estates or sectional title schemes? A developer may be motivated to develop a...