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.
Please note: GroundUp is just a news agency. We are not lawyers or financial advisors, and we have nothing to do with SASSA, Home Affairs, or any other government bodies. We do our best to make the answers accurate using publicly available information, but we cannot accept any legal liability if there are errors. If you notice any discrepancies, please email [email protected].
Topic: Housing | Show questions and answers for all topics
Must I sell my late mother's house to cover her debts?
You should make an application to the bank to take over the existing home loan, but you would have to meet the bank’s qualifying criteria.
Can I be evicted if I have a PTO certificate?
You are protected by the Interim Protection of Informal Land Rights Act and cannot be removed without your informed permission.
Can my father move into the house my mother got in the divorce now that she has moved out?
Your father must first have the divorce order changed.
Is it legal for law enforcement agencies to confiscate my building materials after demolishing my shack?
No, it is not legal.
Can a title deed be transferred to a child?
Yes, if the child is between the ages of 7 and 18, and a parent or guardian is there to help.
What steps should I take when my housing status says I'm approved?
Keep checking the status of your application until your house is ready to be allocated
My landlord wants to evict us once he gets the title deed. Should I still pay rent?
Renting RDP houses is technically illegal, but you cannot be evicted without a court order.
How will a deceased estate be split up if one spouse dies without a will?
Under a marriage in community of property, the surviving partner will inherit their deceased spouse's share of the estate.
How can I ensure that only I inherit my father's house and not my step-siblings?
If your parents were married in community of property, your mother had the right to leave her share of the house to her other children.
My late father transferred the title deed to his and his girlfriend's names without my mother's knowledge. What can she do?
Because your parents were married in community of property, your mother has claim to 50% of the joint estate and might be able to overturn the transfer.