Buy That House! You’re off the Hook for the Seller’s Municipal Debts
A recent Pretoria High Court judgment has come to the rescue of property buyers being pressured by the local municipality to pay the previous owner’s debts.
When you buy a property, the municipality won’t issue the seller with a “clearance certificate” – necessary for the transfer of the property to you - until all rates and taxes, water and electricity accounts etc due for the 2 years prior to transfer have been paid in full.
A recent Pretoria High Court judgment has come to the rescue of property buyers being pressured by the local municipality to pay the previous owner’s debts.
When you buy a property, the municipality won’t issue the seller with a “clearance certificate” – necessary for the transfer of the property to you - until all rates and taxes, water and electricity accounts etc due for the 2 years prior to transfer have been paid in full.
With Wedding Season in full swing, here’s a timely reminder – take legal advice on choosing one of the three “marital regimes” available to you in our law before you actually tie the knot.
That’s important because if you don’t specify otherwise in a pre-marriage ANC (antenuptial contract), you will automatically be married in community of property.
Failure by “designated” employers to lodge their employment equity reports on time risks severe penalties, with first offenders risking a fine of the greater of R1,5m or 2% of turnover (increasing to the greater of R2,7m or 10% of turnover for serial offenders).
“There's no tragedy in life like the death of a child” (Dwight D. Eisenhower)
A recent High Court decision highlights once again both the personal tragedy and the legal consequences of failing to protect children from the dangers of swimming pools and other hazards.
Let’s recharge our batteries and bid farewell to 2016 with a relaxing Seasonal Selection - “How to enjoy your break”; “The perfect gift”; “Is that hotel review fake?”; “Your dog’s New Year bedtime story” and “Tips for great cell phone videos”. Have fun!
The information and material published on this website is provided for general purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
Please consult one of our lawyers on any specific legal problem or matter.
We accept no responsibility for any loss or damage, whether direct or consequential, which may arise from reliance on the information contained in these pages.
Smith Bekwa Incorporated Attorneys
6th Floor, Surrey Place
291 Surrey Avenue
Ferndale, Johannesburg