sectional title schemes Archives - Stonewood Properties

08 Jun What sectional title owners need to know about the new CSOS Consolidated Practice Directives

Posted at 10:54h in Property

In July 2025, the Community Schemes Ombud Service (CSOS) introduced its Consolidated Practice Directives 1 of 2025. These directives replace previous CSOS circulars, guidelines, and practice directives, creating a single reference document for community schemes across South Africa. The aim is to improve consistency, governance, compliance, and dispute resolution within sectional title schemes and homeowners' associations. For sectional title owners, understanding...

05 May The psychology of community living: Why conflict happens and how to reduce it

Posted at 10:45h in Property

Living in a sectional title scheme or HOA means sharing space, rules, and responsibilities with many different people. Even in well-managed communities, conflict is common - usually over noise, parking, pets, levies, or maintenance. Understanding why conflict happens can help trustees and managing agents respond more effectively and prevent issues from escalating. Why conflict is so common in shared living People naturally...

07 Apr How to conduct fair and effective trustee elections

Posted at 13:32h in Property

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...

12 Mar Future‑proofing your scheme: How climate change will affect sectional title living

Posted at 17:46h in Property

Climate change is no longer a distant concern - it is already affecting South African sectional title schemes and HOAs. From rising insurance premiums to water shortages and extreme weather, trustees must begin planning now to safeguard their buildings, budgets, and residents. Here’s how climate change is reshaping community living and what your scheme can do about it. Rising insurance risks Insurers are...

10 Nov Audits, transparency, and trust: Strengthening financial governance in your body corporate

Posted at 09:22h in Property

Good financial governance is the foundation of every successful body corporate. When owners can see how their levies are managed and know that funds are being used responsibly, it builds confidence and cooperation across the scheme. That is where regular audits and transparent reporting come in. Annual financial statement requirements Under the Sectional Titles Schemes Management Act (STSMA), every body corporate must...