This week, the panel deals with an interesting situation involving conflict over a holiday house owned by a family in a close corporation. The man, his wife and children are all members, but the husband has recently passed away. Unfortunately, his wife and one of their children took it upon themselves to go to the property, empty it out and arrange for a long-term tenant … [Read more...] about Close corporation divides family
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Laying blame at owner’s door
This week our panel assists a reader who has been fined for alterations he made to his unit in a sectional title complex. Before starting these alterations he submitted the plans to the municipality and the trustees of the body corporate. The changes he wished to effect were not only aesthetic, but also had practical implications to prevent rainwater from flooding the … [Read more...] about Laying blame at owner’s door
In suspense over sale conditions
Our panel often receives questions about suspensive conditions linked to property sales. These conditions affect not only the buyers and sellers but also the estate agent involved in the sale and, very often, third-party buyers and sellers who are waiting on fulfilment of a deal on which their own property transaction depends. This week we take a look at a set of facts … [Read more...] about In suspense over sale conditions
Splitting the marital bond
Regular readers of our column may be aware that the impact of a marital regime on property ownership is often a burning question. This is even more so, it appears, when creditors are laying claim to outstanding debts from either one or both of the joint owners. One such reader writes that he and his wife are married out of community of property, with the exclusion of the … [Read more...] about Splitting the marital bond
Buyers must know complex rules
This week our reader's letter deals with the management and conduct rules in a sectional title complex. He understands that, while these rules are absolutely necessary, prospective buyers do not always know what they are getting themselves into when buying in a complex. As a trustee of the body corporate in charge of the complex where he resides, he has devised a way to … [Read more...] about Buyers must know complex rules
