30 June 2023

Community scheme disputes: CSOS or the courts first?

Disputes within community schemes are a common occurrence. When attempts to resolve these disputes amicably fail, parties often find themselves contemplating whether to approach the Community Schemes Ombud Service (CSOS) or directly seek resolution through the courts.

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16 June 2023

Raising the roof: the pergola saga

In the case of Wilds Homeowners' Association NPC v Pillay and Others on 12 April 2023, the Pretoria High Court considered a dispute over a pergola built by homeowners within the estate.

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1 June 2023

Navigating the legal landscape: Trustee authority and cosmetics businesses in residential sectional title units

Are you a unit owner in a residential sectional title scheme and considering starting a cosmetics business from your home? Or perhaps you're interested in the legalities surrounding such a venture?

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Roads within secured residential estates – public or not?

In July 2022, the High Court of Pretoria in the case of PJJ Van Vuuren Beleggings (Pty) Ltd v The Wilds Homeowners Association (“The Wilds case”) handed down this judgment in determining when roads within a secure residential estate could in fact be for public use and benefit.   

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14 April 2023

The pandemic, backlogs, load-shedding, and failures; the challenges facing SA courts

South Africa’s Chief Justice Raymond Zondo released the Annual Judicial Report 2022/23 on Friday, 24 February 2023. The report is not yet available on the Judiciary's website. This report highlighted the performance of South Africa's “superior courts” during the last financial year. Superior courts are courts like the High Court.

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A better way to manage and monitor water consumption

South Africa celebrated National Water Week from 20 to 26 March. This event aims to raise awareness about water conservation by discouraging irresponsible water use.

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14 February 2023 ,

Good fences make good neighbours - handling domestic violence in a sectional title scheme

Domestic violence has a devastating impact on the lives of victims. However, the ripple effects often extend beyond the home, impacting more lives than that of the victim.

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12 February 2023

Disconnecting the dots - cutting off electricity and/or limiting water supply to a unit due to non-payment

Disconnecting the electricity, or limiting the water supply of a unit owner or occupier for failing to pay their consumption charges for that electricity or water has never been easy. The law is far from certain as to when this is and is not enforceable. Some applications are granted, and some are not, whether opposed or unopposed.

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26 January 2023

New changes ushered in the new year for the Sectional Titles Act

President Cyril Ramaphosa signed the Sectional Titles Amendment Act 13 of 2022 into law on 22 December 2022. The Act was published in the Government Gazette on 5 January 2023, and also came into effect on that date. Click here to access the new version of the Sectional Titles Act 95 of 1986 (“the STA”), with all of the amendments.

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19 January 2023 ,

Comprehensive commentary on CSOS appeals

In Part 1 of this commentary, we set the scene by laying out what s 57 of the Community Schemes Ombud Service Act 9 of 2011 (“the CSOS Act”) provides in respect of the limited right to appeal against CSOS adjudication orders.

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