Sectional Title Levy Dispute in Free State

Owners in sectional title schemes in Free State pay levies to the body corporate for maintenance and management of common property. If levies are excessive, incorrectly calculated, or if the body corporate mismanages funds, you can challenge the decision through the Community Schemes Ombud Service (CSOS) at no cost.

The Law That Protects You

Sectional Titles Schemes Management Act 8 of 2011 (STSMA) — Section 3

The body corporate must maintain the common property and is funded by levies from owners. Levies must be determined at an annual general meeting.

Community Schemes Ombud Service Act 9 of 2011 — Section 39

Any person affected by a dispute in a community scheme may apply to the CSOS for relief. CSOS adjudicators can make binding orders.

What To Do — Step by Step

Step 1. Obtain the body corporate's latest approved budget, audited financial statements, and the levy calculation for your unit.
Step 2. Attend or request the minutes of the annual general meeting (AGM) at which levies were approved.
Step 3. Raise your objection in writing to the body corporate trustees, citing the specific irregularity.
Step 4. If unresolved, submit an application to the Community Schemes Ombud Service (CSOS) at csos.org.za or 010 593 0533. The filing fee is means-tested and low.
Step 5. The CSOS adjudicator can make binding orders including reducing levies, ordering proper audits, or replacing trustees.

Frequently Asked Questions

Must I pay levies I believe are unlawful in Free State?

It is advisable to pay under protest (noting in writing that you dispute the amount and reserve the right to recover any overpayment) to avoid the body corporate obtaining judgment against you. Dispute the amount separately through CSOS.

Can the body corporate evict me for non-payment of levies in Free State?

The body corporate cannot evict an owner, but can obtain a judgment and have a warrant of execution issued against the unit. The PIE Act applies — a court order is required for forced removal from a home.

How do I get the body corporate's financial records in Free State?

As an owner, you have a right to inspect the body corporate's financial statements, minutes of meetings, and accounting records under the STSMA. Request them in writing from the managing agent or trustees.

Legal Resources in Free State

📋 CCMA: Bloemfontein CCMA (051 411 2700)

⚖️ Legal Aid SA: Legal Aid South Africa — Bloemfontein (051 411 8600)

🏛️ High Court: Free State Division of the High Court, Bloemfontein (051 492 4700)

🏢 Magistrates' Courts: Bloemfontein, Welkom, Phuthaditjhaba, Kroonstad, and other magistrates' courts

🏠 Rental Housing Tribunal: Free State Rental Housing Tribunal (051 403 3710)

The Free State has a large agricultural sector with significant ESTA farm worker rights issues, and Bloemfontein hosts the Supreme Court of Appeal — the highest court on non-constitutional matters.