News: Tips, Advice & Trends
Welcome to Urban Property Management's Blog - Your go-to destination for tips, advice, and trends.
Whether you're a property owner, investor, or simply passionate about urban living, our blog offers a wealth of information to help you navigate the world of Homeowners Associations and Sectional Title Schemes.
Is Your Scheme One Bad Financial Report Away from a CSOS Dispute?
CSOS disputes are becoming an increasingly important concern for sectional title schemes in South Africa. Financial and administrative problems, poor record-keeping, governance failures and compliance issues can quickly escalate into formal disputes, placing additional pressure on trustees and owners.
Jannie Smit breaks down what CSOS’s own numbers actually say about the cost of poor management — and why the fix is almost entirely administrative, not legal…
The Trustee Who Should Have Stepped Aside: A Durban Case on Conflicts of Interest
A conflicted trustee stayed in the room for a decision he should have stepped back from — and that’s not even why the case was lost.
A Durban owner had a sliding gate application refused by trustees, one of whom was, at the time, under an interim protection order linked to alleged trespassing in her own garden. CSOS didn’t need to rule on that conflict to strike the decision down: the board simply couldn’t show a proper general meeting had ever been convened.
Two separate governance failures. Either one was enough to void the outcome.
Jannie Smit breaks down what Prescribed Management Rules 6(3), 14(3) and 30 require of trustees facing a personal conflict — and what “properly convened” actually means in practice.
The line you cannot see – Who really pays for repairs in your scheme?
A brown stain spreads across a ceiling. The owner upstairs says it’s not their problem. The owner downstairs says the same. Who actually pays?
The answer comes down to a line neither of them can see.
In our latest article, founder Jannie Smit explains the median line — one of the most important concepts in sectional title, and one of the least understood. It quietly decides who is responsible for almost every repair in your scheme, and it isn’t even in the Act most owners think to check. Once you know where the line runs, most “who pays?” arguments answer themselves…
How to Run a Successful AGM for a Sectional Title Scheme
Running a successful AGM is an essential part of effective sectional title scheme management in South Africa. A well-planned Annual General Meeting gives owners the opportunity to review the scheme’s finances, elect trustees, approve budgets and address important management matters while ensuring compliance with the Sectional Titles Schemes Management Act (STSMA).
How to Resolve Common Challenges Between Body Corporates & Managing Agents
In the intricate dance of property management, the relationship between a body corporate and a managing agent can encounter various hurdles. Yet, amidst these challenges, companies like Urban Property Management distinguish themselves through innovative solutions and unwavering commitment to client satisfaction.
In this blog post, we’ll explore some common problems in this dynamic and how Urban Property Management stands out by addressing them head-on…
Understanding the Rights of Sectional Title Scheme Owners in South Africa
In South Africa, Sectional Title Schemes offer a unique form of property ownership, where individuals own a unit within a larger complex or building. With this ownership model come specific rights and responsibilities that owners need to be aware of to ensure they fully enjoy and protect their investment. At Urban Property Management, we understand the intricacies of Sectional Title ownership and are dedicated to assisting owners in navigating their rights effectively…
Understanding the Rights of a Body Corporate in South Africa
In the realm of property ownership, particularly in Sectional Title Schemes, understanding the rights and responsibilities of the Body Corporate is paramount. The Body Corporate represents the collective interests of property owners within a Sectional Title Scheme. It is tasked with managing and maintaining common areas, enforcing rules and regulations, and safeguarding the overall value and well-being of the property. In this blog post, we delve into its rights and explore how Urban Property Management can provide guidance in navigating these complexities…
A step-by-step guide: How to appoint a new managing agent for your Sectional Title Scheme
Appointing a new managing agent for a sectional title scheme can seem daunting, but following a structured process can make the changeover much easier. From reviewing your existing contract and comparing proposals to notifying owners and transferring important records, each step is important for a smooth transition.