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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 info@groundup.org.za.

Topic: Housing  |  Show questions and answers for all topics

How can we protect empty municipal land from illegal occupiers? The municipality won't sell to us.

You need to contact the municipality to ask why they wouldn't sell. Otherwise call the MEC for Housing.

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I have been paying rent to the late owner's sister. Can she sell the house if the owner's child has been missing for 20 years?

You need to try to find the missing beneficiary, otherwise they can come back to claim the house.

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My sister was listed as my spouse on my RDP application. It was approved but now that I want to sell the house she wants to claim her share.

Even though it was unintentional, listing your sister as a spouse is fraud. You may need legal advice.

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My uncle is my late grandmother's only surviving child but he has his own house. Who gets her house?

Your uncle and your deceased father get equal shares. Your father's share is divided between his surviving children.

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How can I kick my abusive ex out of our house?

Because the house is in both your names, one of you can buy the other's share or you can appoint a liquidator to split the house

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My ex and I registered for an RDP house together. What will happen now that we have split up?

If you can agree on who should get the house, one of you can buy the other's share and become the full owner.

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We bought municipal land but don't have a title deed. What can we do?

Title deeds are the only legal proof of ownership. Talk to the municipality from which the land was purchased.

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Can I apply for an RDP house if I don't have an ID?

No. IDs are not being issued during the pandemic, so you may need legal help

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Is it possible to get the house that my father sold back?

See if there is a title deed for the house and whose name appears on it. You could contact Housing Enquiries for assistance

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Can we reclaim our late mother's RDP house if it was transferred to someone else in 2006?

It may be very difficult, if not impossible, to reclaim the house after such a long time, especially if the municipality awarded it to someone else.

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