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Have a question you would like answered? Email us and we may answer it. The questions here are based on ones from our readers, with identifying information removed.

Please note: GroundUp is just a news agency. We are not lawyers or financial advisors, and we have nothing to do with SASSA, Home Affairs, or any other government bodies. We do our best to make the answers accurate using publicly available information, but we cannot accept any legal liability if there are errors. If you notice any discrepancies, please email [email protected].

Topic: Housing  |  Show questions and answers for all topics

What could have happened during the registration process of my uncle’s RDP because unknown people turned up two months ago, claiming that my uncle’s house belonged to their grandparents?

Your uncle could not have received a title deed for the house from the municipality when he was allocated the house, or this problem could not have arisen.

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As a backyarder on council property, how can I access the prepaid electricity meter inside the main house, which is now empty?

You may need to go directly to the municipality and ask them to urgently assist you to get access to the house.

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Can I get my parent's RDP house if they passed away before getting the key?

If the house had been awarded to your parent before they passed away, you should be able to get the house (unless they wrote a will saying otherwise).

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Do I have to transfer my late mother's property to my name before leaving it to someone in my will?

Yes, you would need to transfer the house into your own name before you could leave it to beneficiaries in your will.

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Do I need to transfer a deceased person's estate to my name in order to pay off its debt?

No, the debt must first be paid from the deceased estate before the title deed can be transferred.

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Can my relative go back on a verbal agreement we made over a decade ago to give me his property?

When it comes to property, agreements must be in writing and signed by all parties involved.

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Should I transfer the title deed of my late aunt's house from my name to her daughter-in-law's?

If you are the legal owner of the house, you do not need to transfer it to her. Maybe you can work out a setup that benefits you both.

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My ex used my ID number to apply for RDP housing. Now I don't qualify.

You need to report this fraud to the Department of Human Settlements and escalate if necessary.

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My name was linked to an RDP house and now I can't apply for my own. What can I do?

You first need to find out how your name was linked to an RDP house before you can apply.

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If there are two houses on a property, one townhouse and the other an RDP house, will there be two title deeds?

It's unclear. If the RDP house was built after the townhouse, both belong to the property owner so there may be just one title deed.

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