Answers to your questions

Have a question you would like answered? Email us and we may answer it. The questions here are based on ones from our readers, with identifying information removed.

Topic: Housing  |  Show questions and answers for all topics

How can we evict illegal occupiers from my parents' house if my mother's name doesn't appear on the title deed and my dad has run off with another woman?

If your mother and father divorced, they would each be entitled to 50% of the joint estate created by being married in community of property.

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What can I do as my ex-wife, with whom I was married in community of property, refuses to sign off on her share of the house?

The divorce order, which is binding on both parties, does not in itself vest ownership in the other spouse, although it does create the right to enforce transfer.

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Why is my RDP application status saying "in allocation"?

"In allocation" means that the provincial Allocation Committee is in the process of deciding who should be allocated a house and you are among the applicants being considered.

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What does it mean when I check my RDP application status and it says “infound”?

It's unclear but you should probably go to the office where you submitted your application.

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My complex is without water and power because the private rental company failed to pay the bills. They refuse to take ownership. What can we do?

Start by laying a complaint with your provincial Rental Housing Tribunal to hold the management to account.

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How can I transfer an RDP house which is in my father’s name to my mother’s name if he left the house to me and my siblings in his will?

If your parents were married in community of property, which is likely, then the RDP house belongs to them both, jointly.

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Can real estate agents make you give the house back if there is still some money outstanding?

The agent does not have the power to simply take back the house.

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How can I speed up the process of my mother having her house restored after she had been evicted during apartheid?

The best people to approach about speeding up your mother’s claim are those involved in the District Six Working Committee.

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Can I extend my shack without getting in trouble with law enforcement?

You can apply for a shack extension permit from the Informal Settlements Management Department.

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How are council houses inherited by the deceased owner/tenant's children?

If there is no will, the Intestate Succession Act will apply.

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