Greetings Paddocks Press Fan!

As we approach the close of another busy and fulfilling year, I’d like to take a moment to reflect on what 2024 has meant for Paddocks and for the vibrant community scheme industry we are privileged to serve.

This year, we’ve had the honour of guiding hundreds of students through our specialised courses in community scheme management. It’s always rewarding to see the growth and development of professionals passionate about making a positive impact in their schemes. Through Paddocks Club, our fast advice discussion forum, we’ve supported our members by answering countless questions and providing clarity in moments of uncertainty.

We continue to provide trusted resources through our books and e-Books, equipping trustees, owners, and managing agents with practical knowledge. I was also humbled to share insights at the National Association of Managing Agents (NAMA) conference, connecting with industry leaders and discussing the rights and powers of managing agents.

Looking ahead to 2025, I am thrilled to announce the upcoming launch of a private dispute resolution service. I plan to offer mediation services tailored to the unique challenges of community schemes, aiming to resolve disputes in a constructive, collaborative manner.

As we gear up for the new year, we are excited to kick off three of our flagship courses on 20 January 2025:

• The Sectional Title Scheme Manager Course, our benchmark offering for scheme management professionals.
• The Home Owners' Association Scheme Manager Course, designed specifically for managing home owners’ associations.
• The Start and Manage a Managing Agency Course, perfect for those ready to establish and run their own managing agency.

We are grateful for the trust and support you’ve placed in us throughout this year. Thank you for being part of our journey to empower and strengthen community schemes across the country.

Wishing you a joyful festive season filled with peace, warmth, and relaxation. May 2025 bring new opportunities and success for us all!

Warm regards,

Jennifer Paddock

PADDOCKS SHEDS LIGHT ON CURRENT ISSUES

What are Body Corporate Rules? Body corporate or scheme rules play a critical role in regulating the governance, management, and operational functioning of sectional title schemes. However, confusion often arises about their exact legal nature. Are they contracts, servitudes, or a form of legislation? This distinction is not merely academic; it has profound implications for how these rules are created, amended, enforced, and applied.  Read the article here.

Ten Ways to Increase the Chances of a Successful CSOS Repair or Maintenance Order Application Based on Professor Paddock’s analysis of 27 CSOS adjudicators’ orders between 2017 and 2023, this article sets out ten suggestions to CSOS applicants: What they should – and shouldn’t – do to successfully obtain Section 39(6)(a) orders for the association to perform maintenance and repairs either to a private or a common area. Read the article here

Dealing with Arrears in Sectional Title Schemes In this short podcast, Jennifer Paddock provides guidance on collecting arrear levies in sectional title schemes, specifically covering ensuring levies have been properly raised, how to legally authorise the adding of interest to overdue levy accounts, levy notices that the body corporate is legally required to give owners, payment plans, debt recovery, spoilation and more.  Listen to the podcast here

LEARN WITH US IN 2025

More information on Paddocks Courses in 2025

IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER OVER THE FESTIVE SEASON

• Holiday Office Closure: 14 December 2024 - 7 January 2025 (Reopening 8 January 2025).
• Paperback Book Orders: Any books ordered during the week 9-13 December and during office closure will only be shipped in the week of 8 January 2025.
• Consulting: All consulting matters that come in after 13 December 2024 will only be attended to in the new year, once Paddocks reopens.
• Paddocks Club: Paddocks Club forums will continue to be monitored and we will endeavour to answer questions within 72 hours Monday - Friday (excluding public holidays) during the period our offices are closed.

We’re here to help you navigate the complexities of community scheme management. Visit paddocks.co.za and check out our articles and resources, or email info@paddocks.co.za and one of our team will get back to you. 

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