Sectional Title Living: What Can and Can't Trustees Do?

Buying an apartment or townhouse in a sectional title complex means becoming part of a shared community. But who makes the decisions, manages the finances and ensures everything runs smoothly?

That's where the body corporate and its trustees come in.

Trustees are elected by property owners to oversee the day-to-day management of the scheme. Their responsibilities are guided by the Sectional Titles Schemes Management Act (STSMA), which sets out what they can and cannot do.

What are trustees responsible for?

Trustees play an important role in protecting the interests of all owners. Their responsibilities include:

• Managing finances: Overseeing budgets, collecting levies and ensuring that body corporate funds are properly managed.

• Maintaining common areas: Arranging repairs and looking after shared facilities such as gardens, swimming pools, lifts and parking areas.

• Enforcing conduct rules: Ensuring that approved rules are applied fairly and consistently to all residents.

• Keeping owners informed: Communicating important decisions, maintenance plans and financial matters.

• Seeking professional advice: Getting assistance with legal, financial and technical matters when necessary.

  
  

What are trustees not allowed to do?

Although trustees have authority to manage the scheme, that authority has limits. They cannot:

• Make major decisions without the necessary approvals from owners.

• Introduce their own rules, restrictions or arbitrary fines.

• Spend body corporate money without proper authorisation.

• Give certain owners preferential treatment.

• Ignore maintenance and safety concerns.

• Use their position for personal benefit.

• Neglect important financial records, meeting minutes and documentation.

  
  

Trustees must always act honestly, transparently and in the best interests of the body corporate as a whole.

What should property owners know?

Owners have the right to ask questions, request relevant information and raise concerns about decisions made by trustees.

If a dispute cannot be resolved internally, the Community Schemes Ombud Service (CSOS) may be able to assist.

A well-managed sectional title scheme depends on responsible trustees, clear communication and owners who understand their rights and responsibilities.

Buying into a sectional title complex?

Before making an offer, take time to understand the body's financial position, monthly levies, maintenance plans and any existing disputes. These details can make a real difference to your long-term investment.

At Glasshouse Property Group, we're here to help you make informed property decisions, whether you're buying, selling or finding your next home in Somerset West, Stellenbosch and the surrounding Winelands.

Have questions about your next property purchase? Let's talk. 072 224 5318 |  info@ghpg.co.za