Community scheme living can be challenging as it often involves people from diverse backgrounds and with different personal preferences. Issues that become a point of contention involve noise disturbance, the keeping of pets, parking problems and refuse disposal, to name only a few. Know the rules The Sectional Titles Schemes Management Act (STSMA) has prescribed rules know as conduct rules which schemes...

In sectional title schemes there is a collective responsibility on the various owners to ensure their scheme is well managed and maintained. This collective responsibility extends to the critical aspect of health and safety. It is generally understood that the body corporate is responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of the common areas while the owners are responsible for the inside...

Why do sectional title schemes need a 10-year maintenance plan and what is its purpose? In this blog, we look at answering these questions along with listing some of the major advantages. A legal requirement In the past, many community schemes have found themselves in financial distress due to poor planning by trustees, or due to push back from owners not wanting...

In this blog, we address the confusion around exclusive use areas (EUAs) in sectional title schemes. EUAs comprises parts of the common property where specific owners enjoy exclusive use and enjoyment of these areas. The different types of usages allocated to EUAs include parking bays, storerooms, balconies, roof terraces, gardens and garages. Registering EUAs Exclusive use areas are allocated to owners...

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...