A reader who is renting a flat has approached the Property Poser panel about the possibility of moving into a vacant flat in that same block. Although she has not provided much background information, it appears that the flat adjacent to hers has become available and the reader would like first option on taking occupation. However, much to her annoyance, the reader's landlord has made it clear that he will only rent the flat in question to a new tenant and that she should remain where she … [Read more...] about Landlord unmoved by tenant’s request
Columns
The Lucky One (2012) Movie Review
If you’re looking for a decent romantic drama that is great for a Date Night, then look no further than The Lucky One. The film centers around a Marine who finds a photograph of a woman while on a tour in Iraq and believes it serves as a lucky charm for him during some trying times in battle. He returns to the US and he sets out to search for her and thank her for saving his life. What follows is a good story which leads you on a pleasant 101 minute journey, which helps you appreciate how the … [Read more...] about The Lucky One (2012) Movie Review
Medal Of Honor Review
One of my fondest memories of gaming was playing Medal of Honor Frontline and storming Normandy beach to attack the bunkers on top of the hill. It felt like Saving Private Ryan and at the time really gave me a sense of the panic of war. Of course, Frontline is now very old and I might not feel as excited to play it again, but thanks to Sector 17 in Port Elizabeth I got my hands on the 2010 Medal of Honor. I wanted to play it in anticipation for Medal of Honor Warfighter which is being launched … [Read more...] about Medal Of Honor Review
Tenant Thrown to the Dogs
The Property Poser panel has been approached by a reader who relocated from one city to another and moved into a rental property about a month ago. The initial inspection, conducted by the landlord and agent, only took place about a week later, whereupon it emerged that the owner was not happy with animals being allowed inside. According to the reader, the preliminary negotiations took place only between herself and the agent. She says the latter made it clear that animals presented no … [Read more...] about Tenant Thrown to the Dogs
Madea’s Witness Protection Review
I must start by saying that movies that have one actor playing numerous roles have the potential to be good or a flop. For instance, Austin Powers by Mike Myers – good, Madea’s Witness Protection by Tyler Perry– flop. Unfortunately, that’s not the only reason this film was sub standard in my opinion. From the onset the acting seems a bit flat and there isn’t any real depth in the characters. There are the stereotypical characters you would expect, like the spoilt , bratty daughter, the … [Read more...] about Madea’s Witness Protection Review
Call Of Duty Black Ops Review
I had just finished Call Of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 (which I thought was great) and Call Of Duty: World at War (which I thought was forgettable), when I managed to get Call Of Duty: Black Ops. I finished it some time back but decided to go back to the campaign to replay the parts that made me love it, in anticipation for Black Ops 2 (review hopefully soon to come!). The first action packed mission I selected to replay left me grinning and remembering what made this game great. Usually with … [Read more...] about Call Of Duty Black Ops Review
Battlefield Bad Company 2 Review
The war rages on between Call of Duty fans and Battlefield fans. Judging by comments and discussions it seems that players from both sides of the "battlefield" have plenty of ammo as to why their favourite is the greatest. As mentioned in my review of Call of Duty Black Ops, I am a fan of the COD franchise and thoroughly enjoyed Modern Warfare 2 and Black Ops, but was left a bit bored with World at War. Battlefield Bad Company 2 was a game that I played purely because I wanted to play the … [Read more...] about Battlefield Bad Company 2 Review
Seller in suspense over instalment sale
A reader has approached the Property Poser panel with a number of questions regarding the sale of a fixed property by way of instalments and also the effect that a suspensive condition might have on such a sale. The reader is looking to sell his sectional title flat and has been introduced to a potential purchaser by an agent. The buyer has only qualified for a bond of 85% of the purchase price and, should it be granted, has proposed to pay off the remainder in instalments. Therefore, … [Read more...] about Seller in suspense over instalment sale
Splitting joint-owned property in divorce
From time to time, the Property Poser experts assist readers whose property assets are a source of conflict in their divorce proceedings. In this instance, the reader was married out of community of property under the accrual system. He and his wife bought a piece of land and built a dwelling on it, where they both lived until the end of last year when she moved out due to marital problems. The reader was responsible for the building costs and thereafter an agreement was reached that … [Read more...] about Splitting joint-owned property in divorce
Neighbour’s runoff results in run-in
This week the Property Poser experts assist a reader whose neighbour's stormwater runs across his property. The reader does not indicate if the neighbour did anything to divert the water onto his property or whether it just appears to be the natural flow of the water. He would like to know what his neighbour's obligations are and whether the National Building Regulations and Standards Act is still in force. It is not difficult to see why this issue is becoming more and more problematic … [Read more...] about Neighbour’s runoff results in run-in
Conveyancer hampers transfer process
This week, a reader asks the Property Poser panel for help with an issue pertaining to the process of transferring a property. The reader writes that she successfully sold her property and the transfer process was handled by Attorney A. She then made a successful offer to purchase on another property and Attorney B was appointed to deal with that transfer. Although not required by the agreement, the reader has already made two deposits to Attorney B, representing the difference between the … [Read more...] about Conveyancer hampers transfer process
Tenant Maintaining Problem Property
This week, the Property Poser panel assists a reader who has maintenance issues with the residential property she has been renting for about a year. When the tenant took occupation of the property no inspection was done in her presence, but she duly completed a checklist and sent it to the estate agent dealing with the rental. The reader noted several issues with the property, including rising damp in one of the bedrooms, problems with the electrical wiring, broken toilet seats, a leaking … [Read more...] about Tenant Maintaining Problem Property
Tenant underpaid due to oversight
This week, the Property Poser experts deal with a situation in which a tenant has been inadvertently underpaying her monthly rental for approximately a year. The reader writes that, upon termination of her lease, the agency used by her landlord to collect the rental discovered that they had been invoicing her incorrectly. The tenant had dutifully paid the monthly amount based on the invoice submitted. The outstanding sum has subsequently been deducted from the deposit she paid upon … [Read more...] about Tenant underpaid due to oversight
Written lease better than one’s word
This week, the Property Poser experts grapple with an interesting question from a tenant regarding the merits of a verbal lease contract over one in which the terms are reduced to writing. According to Rian du Toit from DTS Attorneys in Port Elizabeth, South African law recognises both written and oral agreements. "In order for an agreement to be concluded, all parties should be clear with regard to its terms." In the instance of a lease, issues such as the rental payable and preferably … [Read more...] about Written lease better than one’s word
New Landlord, New Lease, Angry Tenant
A reader has approached the Property Poser experts with a few problems, including the manner in which her landlord has dealt with her deposit. The tenant writes that she has been renting a residential property for the past two years. In terms of her original lease agreement, she had to pay a deposit of R3 700 along with a key deposit of R200 and would not receive interest upon refund of the deposit. At some stage the original landlord merged into another company, which simultaneously … [Read more...] about New Landlord, New Lease, Angry Tenant
