Sectional Title Maintenance: Who Is Responsible for What?
Owning a home in a sectional title scheme comes with unique responsibilities. Whether you live in an apartment, townhouse, or estate, understanding who maintains what is crucial for avoiding disputes and keeping the property in top condition.
At ANGOR Property Specialists, we guide Trustees, Directors, and owners through the requirements of the Sectional Titles Schemes Management Act (STSMA) and Community Schemes Ombud Service Act (CSOS Act) – ensuring maintenance is managed efficiently and in line with the law.
Inside Your Unit (Your Section)
You are responsible for maintaining your section up to the median line, which divides shared structures like walls or ceilings. This includes:
- Plumbing, electrical fittings, and appliances inside your unit
- Painting, plastering, and tiling
- Preventing leaks or damage that could affect other units or common property
Common Property
The Body Corporate is responsible for the maintenance of shared areas such as:
- Roofs, exterior walls, stairwells, and lifts
- Gardens, driveways, and shared recreational facilities
- Boundary walls, gates, and security infrastructure
This work is funded through levies and the reserve fund, which must be backed by a 10-year maintenance plan as required by the STSMA.
Exclusive-Use Areas
Exclusive-use areas – like parking bays, courtyards, or gardens – are common property reserved for a unit owner’s use. While the Body Corporate usually maintains them, the costs can be recovered from the owner.
Owners are expected to keep these areas neat, safe, and free from damage.
Hot Water Systems & Utility Infrastructure
- Private systems (like an individual geyser) are maintained by the owner, even if located on common property.
- Shared systems (like a central boiler or water pump) are maintained by the Body Corporate, with costs split according to the participation quota or usage rules.
- Communal pipes, wiring, and ducts are generally the Body Corporate’s responsibility – unless they exclusively serve one section.
Conclusion
In a sectional title scheme, maintenance is a shared responsibility: owners look after their sections, the Body Corporate maintains common property, and specific rules apply to exclusive-use areas and utility systems. Understanding these divisions protects your investment and promotes harmony in your community.
ANGOR Property Specialists works with Scheme Executives to manage maintenance planning, budgeting, and compliance – helping schemes stay in top shape while meeting legal obligations.
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