One of the biggest challenges faced by trustees and managing agents is dealing with residents who refuse to comply with the rules of a sectional title scheme. Whether it is persistent noise, unauthorised pets, illegal parking, alterations without approval or nuisance behaviour, failing to address rule violations can quickly lead to conflict within the community. Fortunately, South Africa's Sectional Titles Schemes...

Insurance protects one of your biggest investments, but many sectional title owners and HOA members only think about it when something goes wrong. Understanding how your community scheme's insurance works can help you avoid costly misunderstandings and ensure you are properly protected. Know what is covered In most sectional title schemes, the body corporate is responsible for insuring the buildings and common...

Trustee elections are one of the most important parts of running a sectional title scheme or HOA. A fair election process builds trust, encourages participation, and ensures that the right people are chosen to lead the community. The Sectional Titles Schemes Management Act (STSMA) and its Prescribed Management Rules (PMRs) set out the legal requirements, but many schemes still struggle...

A recent ruling by the Johannesburg High Court has brought some clarity for sectional title schemes, especially on collecting overdue levies and recovering legal costs when members do not pay. The case, SS Glen High Body Corporate v. M. Kruger NO (2023/055133), addressed issues many schemes face: can they recover legal fees incurred when chasing unpaid levies? Why this matters for...

The body corporate is obligated to carry out the responsibilities assigned to it under the Sectional Titles Schemes Management Act (‘STSMA’) or in accordance with the rules, with the aim of establishing and sustaining an administrative fund that adequately covers the estimated annual operating costs for the repair, maintenance, management, and administration of the common property. Administrative budget The creation of a...