Multiprof Property Information Services:

An occupancy certificate is a document issued by the local government in South Africa, confirming that a building or property has been inspected and is safe for occupation.

An occupancy certificate is essential when buying or leasing a property in South Africa, as it assures the buyer or tenant that the property meets safety and building standards.

To get an occupancy certificate in South Africa, submit an application to the local government with required documents and fees, wait for inspection, and make necessary repairs based on inspection findings.

An occupancy certificate ensures that a property has met minimum standards for habitation after inspection but doesn’t guarantee the absence of defects or other issues.

The process involves submitting an application with necessary documents, paying associated fees, waiting for inspection, addressing inspection findings, and finally, receiving the occupancy certificate. The timeline can vary based on property and local government procedures.

The plans include details like the scheme’s registered name, physical address, erf number, local authority information, SS number, number of buildings, surveyor details, approval dates, section layout, sizes, participation quotas, and exclusive use areas (if any).

The plans are usually kept with the managing agent and at the Deeds Office. Due to the creation of the Community Schemes Ombud Service (CSOS), plans are being transferred from the Deeds Office to CSOS’s regional offices.

Plans are updated when sections are extended, new sections are added, sections are eliminated, exclusive use areas are added/removed, common property is sold, or when sections are consolidated. Professional land surveyors manage the measurements, amendments, and submission to the Surveyor General for approval.

Sectional title plans help identify sections, confirm sizes and participation quotas, and are used for levy calculations, repairs, and maintenance in sectional title schemes. They’re relied upon by trustees, managing agents, estate agents, and owners.

Trustees must ensure that sectional title plans are kept up-to-date, particularly when sections are extended or when exclusive use areas are added/removed. An accurate set of plans must be available for inspection at the scheme’s Annual General Meeting (AGM).