Why you need the annual record of advice in writing
In terms of FAIS (Financial Advisory and Intermediary Services) legislation, an advisor or broker is obliged to deal with their client in accordance with the General Code of Conduct for…
Mike Addison
Supervision around common area swimming pools
(Updated 6 November 2024) It is alarming how many people allow their children to go to the pool on common property without adequate supervision. We often see young children around…
The risky season
It is around this time of year that we start reminding trustees and owners to take care around common property. We published a blog last year on festive season risk,…
Dealing with washing machines in sectional title units
In a sectional title environment, leaking water tends to find its way to the section below and as we know, washing machines (and their connections) leak from time to time.…
How inflation affects insurance replacement cost
Building insurance cover is typically issued based on its replacement value. The replacement value of your property at the time of policy inception will unquestionably be affected by inflation during…
Insurance implications of section extensions in sectional title complexes
It is quite common for owners in sectional title complexes to improve their sections by extending it, enclosing a balcony, adding a shade structure, extending a patio, or building a…
Insurance responsibilities ahead of the AGM
(Updated: 12 December 2024) Annual general meeting (AGM) preparations often happen at the last minute—it seems to be human nature! However, when it comes to insurance-related responsibilities, better planning is…
When valuation measurements don’t add up
“Our recent valuation measurements do not quite add up – can this be right?” This is a question we are faced with quite regularly, especially now that insurance valuations…
Common property and disclaimer boards
Disclaimer boards around common property in community schemes have always been a prickly issue with the main question being around their effectiveness. We have always viewed disclaimer boards prominently displayed…
What recourse do you have when your claim is rejected?
[Updated: 29 July 2025] Let’s be trustees who deal with disputed claims fairly and correctly! Claims are either common area claims or otherwise claims that deal with the owners’ sections.…