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Answers to your questions

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

How can someone buy an abandoned house if the previous owners can't prove ownership?

They could go to the Deeds Office to see if there is a title deed, otherwise legal assistance may be required.

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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 any rights to fight for my grandmother's house, which her son, my uncle, has since sold?

If you were one of the dependents named in her RDP application, this would not give you the right to inherit the house.

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Is it possible to transfer an RDP application from one province to another?

Unfortunately not. If your application was not approved or if it was approved but you never received a house, you can cancel your application and submit a new one somewhere else.

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What rental rights do I have as a backyard dweller on council property?

As you are paying rent, you can complain to the Rental Housing Tribunal.

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I applied for housing 20 years ago, but I'm no longer with the person I applied with, and I have since married someone else. How do I proceed?

If you and your previous partner received a house, neither of you would be granted another subsidy. If you were not allocated a house, you should update your application with the municipality.

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I was chased from my home by my abusive husband. Now I don't qualify for an RDP house. Is there anything I can do?

Given your circumstances, you could try contacting your local housing office and ask them to help you. Depending on your circumstances, you might qualify for a different housing programme.

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Is it possible for me to go check on my mother's RDP/BNG house application on her behalf?

Yes, as long as you have a document authorising you to do so.

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I didn't know my government house was approved, and when I checked I saw someone else is staying there.

Go to the municipality with your proof of application and ID, tell them what happened, and ask them to help you.

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Are there any government housing projects I could qualify for if I previously owned a home?

Yes, you may still qualify for the Community Residential Units and Housing Programme if you have previously benefitted from a government housing programme or owned property.

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