A reader who is planning to set up a bed and breakfast business wants to know what the process is and what conditions she must comply with to make it legitimate. … [Read more...]
Where do I start when setting up a B&B?
I am planning to set up a bed and breakfast business and I would like to know what the starting process is. In addition, can you advise on the conditions I must comply with to make the operation legitimate. Thank you, B & B Trader See what the experts have to say. … [Read more...]
How intestate estate affects siblings’ property rights
A reader wants to know if her brother's rights will be protected in a dwelling where he lives which is to be transferred into a third sibling's name. … [Read more...]
Sibling’s property rights in intestate estate
I would like to know if my brother's rights will be protected in a dwelling where he lives which is to be transferred into my sister's name. The house was owned by my father, who died without leaving a will. My sister and her husband continue to live there, together with my brother. We have reached an agreement as to the division of assets and my sister and her husband residing in the house … [Read more...]
What can landlord deduct from rental deposit?
After renting a property for eight years, a reader has queried whether the deductions made by the landlord on the deposit she paid are legitimate. … [Read more...]
What deductions from my rental deposit are legitimate?
After renting a property for eight years, I would like to know whether the deductions made by the landlord on my deposit are legitimate. Having vacated the dwelling, I requested a copy of the bank statement showing my deposit with accrued interest over the period of rental. The landlord gave me a statement drawn up by his accountant, which included several deductions, including the fees of … [Read more...]
Tenant wants shorter term on renewal of lease
A landlord wants to know how to handle a tenant who wants to renew his lease for a period of less than a year. … [Read more...]
Can my tenant choose a shorter term on renewal of lease?
I would like to know what my options are in the case of a tenant who does not want to sign a lease for a term of another year, but prefers a shorter period. We have also had negotiations over the rental amount. A fixed-rand sum was agreed as an increase, but this is short of the requested eight per cent rise. Thank you, Rental Matters See what the experts have to say. … [Read more...]
House encroaching on municipal land causes headaches
A reader is caught in a situation where a portion of her house encroaches on property owned by the local municipality. … [Read more...]
Whose responsibility is encroaching property?
After buying a plot, I would like to know who is responsible for the problem that part of the dwelling which was constructed encroaches on property owned by the local municipality. The plot was purchased from a developer, who contracted a builder to construct the house. Soon after taking occupation, I received a letter advising me of the situation that a portion of the building encroached … [Read more...]
Will new act affect informal property practitioners?
I have a small property portfolio and would like to know whether my business will be affected by the new Property Practitioners Act. My portfolio has been built up over years and I generate an income from buying, renovating and selling properties and houses. I also manage property portfolios for a few people on an informal basis, but I don't see myself as a "practitioner". Thank … [Read more...]
How new act will impact informal property practitioners
A reader who has a small property portfolio questions whether his business will be affected by the new Property Practitioners Act. … [Read more...]
Transfer costs associated with property inherited indirectly
I have indirectly inherited a property from my grandfather and I would like to know what the costs will be to transfer it into my name and who will be liable for such fees. As the property is currently occupied by tenants, I also need information on who should be collecting the rental while the transfer is being finalised. My grandfather bequeathed the property to his wife when he died in … [Read more...]
Transfer costs for a property inherited from a third party
A reader who has inherited a property from a third party wants to know what the costs will be to transfer it into his name and who will be liable for such fees. … [Read more...]
What does it cost to transfer property to my child?
I own a property which is valued at R1.5-million and would like to transfer it into my child's name. Can you advise me what the cost implications are for this transaction? Thank you, Transfer Fees See what the experts have to say. … [Read more...]
Cost of transferring property to owner’s child
A reader wants to know what the costs will be to transfer a property, valued at R1.5-million, to his child. … [Read more...]
How do I claim personal expenses on a jointly owned property?
I took care of the expenses of a property I jointly own with my ex-husband and would like to know what can be done about his claim for half the value of the house. We were married in community of property and bought the house together. We divorced after six years but lived together for a further 17 years in the house. During this time I paid the bond and also took care of other expenses. … [Read more...]
Jointly owned property: How to recoup personal expenses
A reader who took care of the expenses of a property she shared with her ex-husband wants to know what she can do about his claim for half the value of the house. … [Read more...]
