The lowdown on sectional title rules

There are many advantages to living within a sectional title scheme. Families can reap the benefits of living in surroundings that are safe, well-organised and attractive. The flip side of this coin is that if you live in a block of flats, a complex or an estate, then you need to follow certain rules. Each sectional title will have its own specific set of rules and regulations, but Jawitz Properties looks into some of the rules that residents of most sectional title schemes will have to abide by.

Living considerately

Living in a sectional title typically means living close to plenty of other people, and rules are put in place to ensure harmonious living. For example, a typical set of sectional title rules will ban parties and loud noise after a particular time, and there will be rules around when and how the braai and pool areas can be used. To ensure the safety of residents, a low speed limit will likely be enforced throughout the property. As a resident, you will be required to park in your designated parking bays and ensure that your visitors park in designated visitors' bays. All body corporate rules must be adhered to by both residents and visitors, and as a resident, you are responsible for ensuring that your guests play by the rules.

Pet ownership

Sectional title complexes typically have rules about pets, and a sectional title unit is unlikely to be the right home for you if your fur family has lots of members. It's important to check the rules carefully, because some sectional titles may allow cats but not dogs, or vice versa. If any pets are allowed, it is likely to be one or two only. If a complex allows dogs, they will likely have to be small dogs - and "small" is typically defined as one that comes to below the knee. In most cases, you will need to get written permission from the body corporate to have a pet, so before you sign on the dotted line to buy property in a sectional title, make sure that your pets will be welcome in your new home.

Structural additions and alterations

Most sectional titles have strict rules about the outer appearance of the buildings. If you're planning any additions or alterations, you'll likely need written permission from the trustees. This can even apply to something like putting up a new security gate across your front door or repainting the outside of your unit. The idea behind these rules is to keep property values up by ensuring a neat and consistent look and feel.

The trustees of the body corporate may have a list of specific contractors who are permitted to do work within the complex, so make sure you check this out before appointing a contractor.

A uniform look for the building

Many sectional titles will have rules about what the parts of your home visible from the outside can look like. For example, if you live in a flat with a balcony, you may not be allowed to hang laundry over the edge of your balcony. Similarly, you may not be allowed to enclose your balcony and if your particular sectional title does allow balconies to be enclosed, it is likely to have to be done in a specific way. An interesting rule put in place by some body corporates is that an enclosed balcony must still be treated as an outside area. In other words, if you enclose your balcony, you may not put a bed in the enclosed balcony and treat this as an extra bedroom.

Sectional title developments are well-loved homes in South Africa. Buyers and investors need to familiarise themselves with the rules of a specific sectional title before they sign any offer to purchase. Jawitz Properties is here to help property buyers understand all the advantages of sectional title living and its associated rules. Contact us today.