A reader has approached the Property Poser panel about an occupation certificate, which stands between him and the dream home he has built. The reader writes that the residence is nearing completion after four years. He tells us that the project was not financed via a mortgage bond and that he built only as and when he had cash reserves to do so. The builder has now … [Read more...] about Homeowner blocked by occupation certificate
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Landlord unmoved by tenant’s request
A reader who is renting a flat has approached the Property Poser panel about the possibility of moving into a vacant flat in that same block. Although she has not provided much background information, it appears that the flat adjacent to hers has become available and the reader would like first option on taking occupation. However, much to her annoyance, the reader's … [Read more...] about Landlord unmoved by tenant’s request
Tenant underpaid due to oversight
This week, the Property Poser experts deal with a situation in which a tenant has been inadvertently underpaying her montHly rental for approximately a year. The reader writes that, upon termination of her lease, the agency used by her landlord to collect the rental discovered that they had been invoicing her incorrectly. The tenant had dutifully paid the monthly amount … [Read more...] about Tenant underpaid due to oversight
Written lease better than one’s word
This week, the Property Poser experts grapple with an interesting question from a tenant regarding the merits of a verbal lease contract over one in which the terms are reduced to writing. According to Grant Berndt from Abdo & Abdo Attorneys in East London, South African law recognises both written and oral agreements. "In order for an agreement to be concluded, all … [Read more...] about Written lease better than one’s word
When a Conveyancing Attorney Pays Agent Commission Prematurely
This week the Property Poser panel looks at the ramifications of a situation where the conveyancing attorney paid out an estate agent's commission before he was entitled to do so. A reader writes that he paid a deposit into the attorney's trust account, which was earmarked for transfer costs. The attorney instead used the money to pay the agent's commission and, when … [Read more...] about When a Conveyancing Attorney Pays Agent Commission Prematurely
