STO Forums

We purchased a unit in a sectional title complex that has 68 units in total 4½ years ago. We spent a lot of money on renovations and the addition of a tool shed, covered patio and tiling. 3 months ago we appointed a structural engineer to investigate the boundary wall which is collapsing. He reported that the reason for this was that the ground was moving and that this needed to be repaired. We reported this to the Managing Agents over 3 months ago and they obtained 3 quotations, they then advised us that the Chairman and Trustees needed to make a decision. I visited the Chairman and he was very rude and stated that he would revert when he was ready. We desperately want to sell our unit and purchase in a complex that is well run but unfortunately cannot sell under these conditions. The patio and shed have moved and the tiles have broken. At our own expense we are repairing this so that we can sell. Surely this is not right and something can be done? We need to know our rights. Another thing that really concerns us are the financials of the complex - we are told that the statements are audited but we doubt this. We have been trying for the last 4 months to get our levy statement correct - the Managing Agents do not understand the basics of accounting. Our levies are R572 per month - I get statements where my levies are R1144 per month - they cannot explain the doubled entries - my payments are not being credited correctly - their last excuse was that the auditors were busy auditing them and that was why the statements were incorrect. I have just received another statement (after the auditors were there) in an even bigger mess.
We would appreciate any advise that can be offered - we have a huge investment in this complex and do not want to lose anything.