Get Started
The Sectional Title Schemes management Act 8 of 2011 (the STSMA) provides 8 prescribed conduct rules (PCR) in Annexure 2. These conduct rules are applicable to all sectional title schemes (including sectional title houses and sectional title complexes).
Each sectional title scheme is slightly different in both nature and membership; therefore each scheme may require the amended conduct rules to suit the context of the scheme.
The prescribed conduct rules act as a default concerning the conduct in sectional title schemes. PCRs (prescribed conduct rules) also provide a structure / platform / frame / skeleton / … for sectional title scheme managing agents and trustees to adapt and amend the PCRs into apt conduct rules.
This sectional title rule states that trustees may prescribe any reasonable condition when approving applications to keep pets. It is common practice for many schemes to set these conditions out as an amended conduct rule in order to ensure certainty of understanding and equality. The nature of the scheme usually determines what is considered a reasonable condition. An example of a reasonable condition could include:
The second provides for the storage and collection of refuse in schemes. Schemes that are equipped with a room on site allocated to refuse may have an amended conduct rule providing for such an area.
Schemes which employ a cleaning service may have this conduct rule amended providing that refuse is placed outside a section to be collected at a certain time or on a specific day.
PCR 3 deals generally with vehicles in schemes. This conduct rule generally governs:
In PCR 4, trustees are empowered to approve (in writing) the nature and design of any device to be installed on common property (as well as the manner of installation). An example would be the installation of window security.
Provide an amended conduct rule in place that further provides for clear direction as to what is permitted (in specific detail) in a scheme. This ensures that any installation has a harmonious appearance within the scheme. This could include specifics in: size; design; colour; function and location. The rule may be extended to provide for the installation of security gates; DSTV dishes or washing lines.
This regulation (PCR 5) governs the use of areas which can be viewed from outside the scheme. This would include the outside of the scheme and garden: any outdoor furniture; garden equipment; washing-lines; storage facilities; or recreational equipment (trampolines, bicycles or floating devices if the scheme has a swimming pool).
It is advisable to make amendments to this sectional title rule in order to set out exactly what items are allowed or not.
The pleasing aesthetic appearance of a sectional title scheme is a highly subjective matter, therefore an amended conduct rule ensures that all members adhere to the schemes conduct and conditions of approval set out by the trustees.
Any dangerous item that is stored within a section or on the common property; as well as any dangerous conduct, may result in an increased rate of insurance premium or rejection of insurance claims. As a result, many sectional title schemes amend this rule either to prohibit or regulate the use of potentially dangerous areas such as fireplaces and braai areas.
This rule provides for the peaceful enjoyment of all sections and the common property. The rule (PCR 7) states that any owner or occupier must refrain from unreasonably interfering with the peaceful enjoyment of another section or the common property - by making noise or obstructing the use of common property.
Owners and occupiers must take reasonable action to ensure that their visitors do not cause any such interference.
This conduct rule (PCR 8) deals with the:
Contact our property attorneys in Cape Town or our property attorneys in Johannesburg for legal assistance regarding sectional title scheme management in South Africa.
Subscribe to our Newsletter
Estate Agent Training
Bond & Transfer Calculator
The South African property market has been witnessing significant growth, making property investment an attractive option for generating income.
Read More ...Posted by Cor van Deventer on Wednesday, December 27, 2023 Views: 2194
The Property Practitioners Act 22 of 2019 (the PPA) places an obligation on sellers to disclose to prospective buyers whether or not there are defects on the property before the purchaser buys the property. In fact, a disclosure form is now compulsory where the seller must disclose such information.
Read More ...Posted by Cor van Deventer on Tuesday, November 28, 2023 Views: 827