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

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 the practical impact of these directives is important.

Greater focus on compliance

The new directives place increased emphasis on scheme registration, annual returns, governance documentation, and the payment of CSOS levies. Bodies corporate are expected to maintain accurate records and remain compliant with their statutory obligations.

Internal dispute resolution comes first

One of the key principles reinforced by the directives is that owners and residents should first make use of the scheme’s internal dispute resolution processes before approaching CSOS. Whether the issue relates to conduct rules, maintenance responsibilities, or trustee decisions, parties are generally expected to attempt to resolve the matter within the scheme before escalating it further.

Fairer enforcement of rules

The directives also provide clearer guidance on how schemes should enforce their rules. Before fines or penalties are imposed, owners should be given an opportunity to respond and due process must be followed. This promotes greater transparency and helps ensure that enforcement actions are reasonable and consistent.

Improved access to information

The consolidated directives include guidance on access to records and the handling of personal information. Owners have legitimate rights to certain scheme information, while bodies corporate must balance these rights with their obligations to protect personal information.

What this means for owners

For most owners, the new directives will not dramatically change day-to-day living, but they do provide greater clarity around how schemes should operate, how disputes should be handled, and what standards trustees and managing agents are expected to follow. Understanding these requirements can help owners protect their rights while contributing to a well-managed community.

Final thoughts

The CSOS Consolidated Practice Directives represent one of the most significant updates to community scheme governance in recent years. By creating a single framework for compliance, dispute resolution, and scheme management, they aim to promote greater accountability, consistency, and fairness for everyone living in sectional title communities.

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