When it comes to parking bays in a sectional title scheme it is important to keep in mind the type of ownership
that one has in a sectional title scheme. Firstly, you will have full ownership of your section that you purchased.
Secondly, you will have an undivided share in the common property of the scheme. Thirdly, but not in all
schemes, you may have a right to an exclusive use area such as a parking bay or a garden area. This does not
imply full ownership, but a mere right to use part of the common property with the exclusion of the other owners.
It is important to remember that exclusive use areas are still part of the common property of the scheme and
therefore any final decision pertaining to that specific part of the common property rests with the body corporate
of the scheme.
The owner or occupier of a section must not (except in the case of an emergency) without the written consent of
the trustee of the scheme park a vehicle, allow a vehicle to stand or permit a visitor to park or stand a vehicle on
any part of the common property other than a parking bay allocated to that unit or a parking bay allocated for
visitors’ parking, which consent must indicate for how long the consent was given.
The process to be followed with regards to who decides on parking bays and who uses it can mainly be divided in
two phases:
Before registration – This is the phase where the developer is in the process of laying out the scheme and
registering the scheme in the Deeds Office. When the sectional plan refers to the reservation of exclusive use
areas on the common property the developer must, when he applies for the registration of the scheme in the
Deeds Office, impose a condition by which the right is conferred upon the owner of the section and he will cede
the right to the owner by the registration of a unilateral notarial deed. If no reservation was made by the
developer and the body corporate has not been established the registrar may issue a certificate of real right to
exclusive use.
After registration – This phase starts the moment any person other than the developer becomes owner of a unit in
the scheme and the body corporate is established. The developer of the body corporate may make management
or conduct rules which confer rights of exclusive use and enjoyment of parts of the common property upon
members of the body corporate. These rules must include a layout plan on which it clearly indicates the locality of
the exclusive use areas (eg. parking bays); the purposes for which such areas may be used and include a
schedule indicating to which owner such an area is allocated to.
Like most decisions in a sectional title scheme a resolution should be passed by the body corporate to give effect
to this process. Should a resolution be obtained the amended rules must be lodged together with the prescribed
application form with the Sectional Title Ombud, who will check the rules and approve them.
The owner of the right to exclusive use will have the responsibility to maintain the parking bay allocated to him in
a good state. Should the owner of the right refuse or fail to do so despite written notice to him, the body corporate
may effect the necessary maintenance or repairs and claim the cost from that specific owner where the failure
threatens the stability of the common property, safety of a building or materially prejudices the interest of the
body corporate. In the case of an emergency no such notice needs to be given. The body corporate may also
request the owner of the right, whether or not such right is registered or conferred by the rules, to make additional
contributions to the fund for administrating that part of the common property.
Should you have further questions or concerns regarding the parking bay allocation in your scheme, we would
advise that you consult with us.
No liability can be accepted for any errors or omissions nor for any loss or damage arising from reliance upon any information herein. Always contact your legal adviser for specific and detailed advice. Errors and omissions excepted (E&OE)