Resources

FROM OUR BLOG

Navigating the community scheme lending space - practical considerations

When you buy a unit in a sectional title scheme, you are also buying into the assets and liabilities of the whole scheme. Sometimes, that scheme has arrear levy debt or needs urgent funds to pay for maintenance-related issues.

30 June 2022 Smart Technology, Update

A smarter way to evaluate an Internet Service Provider (ISP)

A reliable internet connection is crucial to smarter living. It carries with it the benefits of home automation, access to online entertainment including music and movie streaming, online gaming, and the ability to host video chats with work colleagues, family and friends.

26 May 2022 Legal and Advisory, Update

Ratifying community scheme resolutions — who has the power?

The full bench decision (three judges) of the Pietermaritzburg High Court, in the case of Derby Downs Management Association v Assegaai River Properties (Pty) Ltd and Another (the Derby Downs case)[1], is interesting for a quite a few reasons.

A group of people meeting around a boardroom table

26 May 2022 Legal and Advisory, Update, Vlog

Demystifying the various types of resolutions in community schemes

Let's face it, complying with all the relevant legislation and community scheme governance documentation is anything but child's play. For example, the different types of resolutions and requirements in the sectional title industry can be downright mystifying! In this video Maryna Wiesner, STS Group Company Secretary and former Legal and Education Specialist, unpacks the various types of body corporate resolutions in detail.

26 May 2022 Smart Technology, Update

5 things to look out for in a digital visitor management system

The demand for property inside schemes exceeds that of free-standing property, and security is probably one of the main reasons for this. But are community schemes really safer?

Battery with solar panels reflected in it

26 May 2022 Solar and Efficient, Update

Energy independence bolted onto your Solar solution

South Africans are in a dark place. Not just because of rising unemployment and prime interest rates, or escalating food and fuel prices, but because everything seems to be going up except Eskom’s power generating capacity.

20 May 2022 Legal and Advisory, Update

New clarifications on appeals against CSOS Adjudication Orders

By now, we know that in terms of s 57(1) of the Community Schemes Ombud Service Act[1] (“the CSOS Act”), an applicant, the community scheme, or any affected person who is dissatisfied with an adjudication order of the CSOS may appeal to the High Court on a question of law only.

28 April 2022 Solar and Efficient

Get your electricity bill dropping quicker than the temperature

Eish, winter is coming - but with the cost of electricity rising, it seems that those of us without a cosy fireplace might either be left out of pocket or out in the cold. Shorter days and longer nights have us all already digging deeper into our pockets due to escalating electricity tariffs, never mind the cold creeping in and the need to stay warm.

28 April 2022 Funding and Treasury

Tip the scales in favour of your scheme’s assets

We have talked a lot about what happens when community schemes run into trouble because of arrear levy debt or urgent unexpected expenses. However, on the flip side, well-managed and financially sound community schemes can often hold significant amounts of excess cash.

28 April 2022 Legal and Advisory

Remote commissioning – getting the stamp of approval

Whilst the COVID-19 pandemic placed numerous hindrances on our daily lives and forced humanity to re-evaluate what we perceive to be “normal”, such hindrances also provided opportunities. Opportunities to overcome obstacles and find innovative ways to get the job done.

31 March 2022 Funding and Treasury

Keeping the city’s finger off the light switch

In a bold and decisive move, the City of Tshwane started a revenue-collection campaign disconnecting electricity to non-paying customers since early in February. They certainly followed through on their “no fear, no favour” drive, targeting approximately 533 government accounts and 528 business accounts.

31 March 2022 Legal and Advisory

What does the Property Practitioners Act mean for managing agents?

Since 1 February 2022 the business of all property practitioners is subject to new legislation; the Property Practitioners Act (“the PPA”) and the Property Practitioners Regulations (“the PPA Regulations”). The PPA replaces the Estate Agency Affairs Act of 1976 (“the EAAA”).