Please read through these Frequently Asked Questions before contacting us. If you can't find the answer here please feel free to contact us for more information.
What is a unit?
A Unit is commonly the flat that you have bought and the area which is enclosed by walls. It does not include exclusive use areas like gardens, balconies [in certain instances] and parking bays.
The unit is the area that will be measured by a land surveyor in order to calculate your participation quota which in turn will determine your share of the common monthly expenses of the Body Corporate.
What are exclusive use areas?
Exclusive use areas are one of the most misunderstood terms in the Act and needs care full consideration when addressing.
All exclusive use areas are defined as common property with exclusive use rights. This means that although you have bought this area of the common property you have only bought the use thereof and do not hold Ownership of this specific part of the property. This in turn means that any changes, improvements etc. will have to be approved by the Board of Trustees and sometimes the total sum of Owners!
Do I pay for exclusive use areas?
Not withstanding the fact that you have paid for your exclusive use area when you bought your unit the Act requires from the Board of Trustees to levy a monthly charge on exclusive use areas similar to monthly levy on the unit.
It should be kept in mind that this is not an option given to the Trustees but an instruction that they WILL charge a levy on exclusive use areas.
What is the position of the board of trustees?
The Board of Trustees is elected once a year in general meeting of the Body Corporate. They are charged in terms of the Act with the day to day management of the Complex and is responsible for the enforcement of the requirements of the Act as well as the schedule 8 and 9 rules.
Although they have far reaching powers in terms of the Act, these power at large relates to the enforcement of the rules of the Body Corporate.
Various changes has been made to the Sectional Title's Act to curb the powers of the Trustees due to gross mismanagement in certain historical cases. The Trustees must always remember that they have been elected by the Owners to look after their interests and not to build their own kingdom!
Can I keep a pet?
The Sectional Title's Act is very clear that a pet can be kept on the specific condition that prior permission must be obtained from the Board of Trustees.
The Board may set such conditions as they see fit for the keeping of a pet and such permission may be revoked if an Owner breaches the conditions set by the Board.
The keeping of a pet implies responsibility on the side of the Owner keeping the pet. A barking dog may very well be a disturbance to your neighbor who works night shift and sleeps during the day!
Can I make changes to the inside of my unit?
Usually the answer on this question is yes providing that you do not make any structural changes which endangers the stability of the building or touch communal facilities like the water piping system.
If you are not sure please refer to your Board of Trustees as it can be very costly to re-instate to the previous state.
Can I make changes to the outside of my unit?
The answer here must be no. No changes to the outside of your unit is allowed before written authority has been given by the Board of Trustees.
The Sectional Title's Act values the common look of the outside of a Complex highly and as such permission for such alterations will only be given in the most extreme case.
What does Sectional Title stand for?
Sectional Title is a neighborly life-style - show the same sort of consideration for your neighbors as you would like them to show you.
Expect to play your part in running the scheme - be a responsible and active member of the Body Corporate.
Control loud noises and inconsiderate behavior from within your Unit - be fair to your neighbors.
Take responsibility for your exclusive use areas - keep your car port, garden or . balcony tidy.
Identify ways in which you can assist the Trustees and your fellow members of the Body Corporate.
Offer any special skills which you possess to the Trustees - bookkeeping secretarial, legal or handyman skills properly used can help reduce the levy.
Never forget - you are part of a community. Would you be happy to have a neighbor like you?
Are you sure you understand the registered rules of your scheme - they are there for your benefit and protection.
Levies affect everyone - pay yours timeously and play your part in helping to control unnecessary expenditure.
The common property is there for everybody's' use and enjoyment - help to keep it tidy.
If you are planning to renovate or improve your section, be sure that you notify the Trustees if any part of the common property is to be affected.
Tenant's behavior is the responsibility of the owner of the Unit - remember this if you . decide to rent-out your Unit.
Life in a Sectional Title Scheme has many advantages - make sure that you derive . the maximum benefits and enjoyment.
Every owner is a member of the Body Corporate - play your part in making your Scheme the success that you and the other owners would like.
