Resources

FROM OUR BLOG

Can trustees send final demand letters for arrear levies without owner consent?

In sectional title schemes, the issue of unpaid levies quickly becomes a point of friction. But one question that often arises from owners, especially those on the receiving end, is this: “Can the trustees send final demand letters without the owners’ approval?”

25 June 2025 Community

Cybersecurity for South Africa's youth: staying safe in a connected world

As we celebrate Youth Month in South Africa, it’s more important than ever to shine a spotlight on the digital safety of our youth. In a world where young people are growing up online (learning, socialising, gaming, and even building their future careers in digital spaces), cybersecurity is no longer optional. It’s essential.

24 June 2025 Legal and Advisory

When gardens and garages collide: who pays for the leaks between exclusive use areas

What happens when a lush exclusive use garden - neatly landscaped and lovingly maintained - sits directly above someone else’s exclusive use garage… and water starts seeping through? That is the problem facing a group of trustees who recently contacted us for help. In their scheme, Exclusive Use Area (EUA) gardens have begun leaking into EUA garages below. The repairs including removal of the gardens, re-waterproofing, and reinstatement are estimated to be close to R1m.

21 June 2025 Legal and Advisory

Pergola politics

In many older sectional title schemes, life outside your front door can be trickier than you’d expect. You’re not just upgrading a pergola for example - you’re weaving your way through a maze of legislation, body corporate politics, sectional plans and draft sectional plans of extension, participation quotas and variations of them, and a whole lot of “he-said-she-said” at AGMs.

27 May 2025 Legal and Advisory

Double trouble: understanding dual management, HOA's and bodies corporate

Can a single property fall under the management of both a Homeowners’ Association (HOA) and a Body Corporate (BC)? And more to the point — can an owner be required to pay levies to both?

27 May 2025 Legal and Advisory

Can trustees appoint a managing agent without owner consent?

In community schemes, the appointment of a managing agent can spark debate, especially when owners feel they weren’t consulted or informed. We often receive queries from owners asking whether trustees are allowed to appoint a managing agent without engaging the owners.

24 May 2025 Water Management

Blocked septic tank in a sectional title scheme? Who’s responsible and what to do

Few things cause disruption in a sectional title scheme quite like plumbing and sanitation issues. Whether it’s a blocked septic tank, overflowing drains, or persistent foul odours, these issues don’t just affect comfort — they raise serious questions about maintenance, responsibility, and compliance.