WHAT HAPPENS AFTER PROPERTY REGISTRATION?

Once the transfer of your new home is registered at the Deeds Office, there are a few important steps you need to take:

PURCHASER IS TO OPEN A NEW MUNICIPAL ACCOUNT

• Visit your local municipality to open a new account in your name for services such as water, electricity, refuse collection, and property rates.
• You will need to provide council with the following documents:
  • The “Final Registration Pack” provided to you by your attorney which consists of the following:
    • Copy of registration letter
    • Copy of “Refund” letter addressed to council confirming registration   Copy of the rates figures received from council
    • Copy of Electrical Certificate of Compliance.
    • Deeds office property search (to be provided to you by your attorney once Deeds Office have updated their records accordingly)
    • Deposit Payment: The municipality typically requires a deposit to activate your account. This amount varies depending on the municipality and the size of the property.
    • Record Electricity and Water Meter Readings
      • It is crucial to take meter readings (both water and electricity) on the day of occupation or as soon as the transfer is finalized.
      • Submit these readings to the municipality to ensure you are only charged for consumption from the date you take ownership.
      • This helps avoid disputes over usage by the previous owner.
    • A certified copy of your ID.

SELLER TO CLOSE THEIR MUNICIPAL ACCOUNT

• Visit your local municipality to close your rates account and apply for your rates refund.
• You will need to provide council with the following documents:
  • The “Final Registration Pack” provided to you by your attorney which consists of the following:
    • Copy of registration letter
    • Copy of “Refund” letter addressed to council confirming registration Copy of the rates figures received from council
    • Copy of Electrical Certificate of Compliance.
    • Deeds office property search (to be provided to you by your attorney once Deeds Office have updated their records accordingly)
    • A certified copy of your ID.
    • Water and electricity readings taken on the date which you vacated the premises.
    • The “closure form”, duly completed (council to provide same to client for completion).

IMPORTANT POINTS TO NOTE:

Seller:

• The Seller cannot close their rates account at council until such time that the Purchaser has opened their new rates account.
• Seller must on a continuous basis follow up with council on their outstanding rates refund. Should the Seller not be in a position to follow up with council directly, they are welcome to utilize the services of a rates consultant to assist them with the closing of their rates account and obtaining their rates refund:-

Angelique O’Kelly Buzz Rates Consulting Tel: 010 598 2669

E-mail: angie@buzzrates.co.za

MUNICIPAL BILLING TRANSITION

Purchaser:

• It may take a few weeks for the municipality to update their system and start billing the Purchaser directly. The Purchaser is to ensure that they keep a record of all communications between themselves and council when submitting all their documents as stipulated above.
• Purchaser is to ensure that they follow up with council on a continuous basis, should they not receive their first utility bill from council to avoid any interruptions with electricity and water services provided.
• It is essential to acknowledge that if the Purchaser fails to attend the council office promptly to open their new rates account, the Seller may take the necessary steps to attend the council and request the disconnection of electricity. This action would compel the Purchaser to visit the council, open their rates account, and settle the required deposit. Subsequently, the council will proceed with reconnecting the electricity, subject to a reconnection fee.