As Schatsi Schnauzer and I begin what we call the Central Saunter, we spot a young man piling up pockets of oranges for sale determinedly helped by a wee tot no bigger than the pockets themselves. Then it struck me. Where within roughly a kilometre radius does anyone have roadside stalls, parks to explore, unique little shops and what I believe is one of the most vibrant café societies in town? So why not ditch the shopping mall and explore this wonderful old part of Port … [Read more...] about The Sally and Schatsi Central Saunter
Columns
Consumer Protection Act on Latent and Patent Property Defects
The Property Poser panel often receives queries relating to the discovery of defects during the course of a property sale or shortly thereafter. This week a buyer tells us that the transfer of his property is still in progress but substantial leaks in the roof have been discovered. When the reader reported it, the estate agent obtained quotations for the repairs and a claim was instituted with the relevant insurer. It has subsequently transpired that the insurer will not cover the claim … [Read more...] about Consumer Protection Act on Latent and Patent Property Defects
Central – Redesigning the Future, Keeping Valuable Heritage Intact
The characters, eccentricities and cosmopolitan atmosphere of Central are set against a backdrop of a rich heritage and wonderful examples of period architecture that have stood the test of time and to some extent escaped urban decay. Port Elizabeth Central has stunning examples of early Regency, Victorian, Edwardian and Georgian villas, Art Deco blocks of flats and Art Nouveau buildings, lovingly preserved. Pierre Voges, of the Mandela Bay Development Agency in on record as saying he … [Read more...] about Central – Redesigning the Future, Keeping Valuable Heritage Intact
Complicated Family Living Arrangements
Verbal agreements between family members often create problematic situations with regard to living arrangements. A reader writes that, a few years ago, her son and his wife suggested that their double garage be converted into a flatlet for her and her partner. Part of this arrangement included that a new double garage be constructed on the property. The financing for these alterations was provided by the reader who raised a bond on another erf she owns. She also agreed to pay the monthly … [Read more...] about Complicated Family Living Arrangements
Fort Frederick
"WHERE'S that?" You have patiently explained your street address using Fort Frederick as a landmark. Big mistake. It comes as no surprise that few Port Elizabethans have visited or even heard of this scenic national monument situated on the bluff of the hill overlooking Algoa Bay. And while heritage Route 67 and the refurbishing of the old PE Tramways building forges ahead, little attention is being paid to Port Elizabeth's oldest building which could still occupy a special spot on the arts … [Read more...] about Fort Frederick
Baked Eggs
This past weekend I popped my Magic Bacon into the oven and then had a another time saving, healthy option idea - what about baking my eggs? Ingredients: 8 Eggs 1 Finely Chopped Tomato Herbs Cheese Method: Use a muffin pan - I used one of those silicon wonders as it is nice and deep. Brush the insides with Melted Butter, Olive Oil or suchlike Grate some cheese into the bottom of each pan Top with chopped tomato and a sprinkling of herbs - I used Origanum Break an egg … [Read more...] about Baked Eggs
Trustees can be held personally liable for their actions
This week the Property Poser panel deals with a sticky situation relating to the trustees' responsibilities when it comes to repairs and maintenance in a sectional title complex. In this instance, the driveways of the complex had to be resurfaced with tar and a special levy was raised to cover the cost. The reader reports that the first section was very poorly done and it was not long before the tar started lifting and sticking to car tyres. In the end, only a small number of the driveways … [Read more...] about Trustees can be held personally liable for their actions
Vibacrete Wall Makes Neighbours Vibrate With Frustration
The Property Poser panel is often asked to deal with the sensitive issue of boundary walls between neighbours. This week one of our readers shares her distress over the state of the vibacrete wall that divides her property from her neighbours'. Some of the panels are broken or missing but the neighbours are not in a financial position to make any kind of repairs to the wall. The reader is concerned that if she builds a new wall, the neighbours will simply break down the existing one and … [Read more...] about Vibacrete Wall Makes Neighbours Vibrate With Frustration
Tenant’s Property Repair Claims Speak to Unjustifiable Enrichment
This week the Property Poser experts field a query from a reader who rents out her second property for a minimal monthly amount, provided that the tenant maintains it to a habitable standard. Despite the negligible rental, the reader says the tenant pays irregularly and has made changes to the property without her consent. The tenant is now claiming that the owner owes him money, based on the improvements made, and she would like to know what her remedies are. Since it appears that … [Read more...] about Tenant’s Property Repair Claims Speak to Unjustifiable Enrichment
Rental Arrears Eviction Advice
This week the Property Poser panel clarifies a situation in which a reader is being threatened with early eviction due to outstanding rental payments. The tenant is two months in arrears but has offered to repay the money in instalments. However, the landlord is not satisfied with his offer and has demanded, via the rental agency, that the reader vacate the property within seven days. He has also threatened to lock the tenant out of the property and chain up the gates. In addition, the … [Read more...] about Rental Arrears Eviction Advice
Choose Your Property Management Company Carefully
This week the Property Poser panel addresses a reader's issue with a property (mis)management company. He writes that he ended his homeowners' association's (HOA) mandate with the company, which was responsible for administration and accounting services. The HOA had become dissatisfied with the service provider and, despite efforts by the company to improve, the situation became untenable. The relationship was terminated in order to appoint a new property manager. Unfortunately, says … [Read more...] about Choose Your Property Management Company Carefully
Property Partnership Pitfalls
Co-ownership of property, or partnerships, is a cause of concern for many Property Poser readers. The situation before our panel this week involves two partners, one of whom lives on the property. The latter is also the one who makes the bond repayments. Our reader is however concerned that the resident partner is "abusing the bond", which places him as co-owner at risk. The resident partner is not willing to sell and neither party is in a position to buy the other out. It seems that … [Read more...] about Property Partnership Pitfalls
Right to Habitatio Hinders Sale
This week, the Property Poser panel contemplates the legal rights concerned with granting the use, or habitatio, of a property. A reader granted her pensioner father the right to stay in her house, a property separate from her residence, but now wishes to sell it in order to use the proceeds elsewhere. Her father is not willing to leave or seek alternative accommodation. The reader would like to know what her rights are in this regard. The right of habitatio is an exclusive personal … [Read more...] about Right to Habitatio Hinders Sale
A Tough Day Demands Soft Calamari
This recipe is a twist on my Thai Seafood Green Curry one as it only uses Calamari rings. If you are anything like me you have a love hate relationship with calamari - sometimes you get it just right and it is tender and tasty and other times you use the rings to hold your rugby socks up and for a long time! I have done this version of my Thai Seafood Green Curry with two Calamari 'versions' - steaks and rings. Calamari steaks are relatively easy to cook and keep tender - score in a diamond … [Read more...] about A Tough Day Demands Soft Calamari
Noisy neighbours nettle owner
This week the Property Poser panel helps a reader who is at his wits' end with noisy neighbours. He writes that the owner of the next-door property rents it out to eight students, who often hold loud parties until the early hours. He has had meetings with the owner, who has undertaken to do something about the noise. However, instead of improving the situation, it has worsened. The reader has contacted the police who have warned the tenants, but this remedy never lasts. He would like to … [Read more...] about Noisy neighbours nettle owner
