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...
The Community Schemes Ombud Service (CSOS) was established in terms of the Community Schemes Service Act 9 of 2011 to regulate the conduct of parties within community schemes and to ensure their good governance. When an owner or occupier has a dispute relating to the administration of that scheme, they are able to approach CSOS for assistance to resolve such dispute. Not...