In South Africa, a levy is a charge that can be placed on the property owners as well as the tenants of a building or complex in order to pay for the upkeep and maintenance of the common areas. Facilities like swimming pools, fitness centres, gardens, and outdoor play areas are examples of what might be found in these common areas. The levies are used to pay for any services that are provided to the residents of the building or complex, as well as to cover the costs of maintaining and improving the common areas.
In most cases, the owner of the property is the one who is liable for the payment of levies; however, in certain circumstances, the tenant may also be required to make a contribution toward the payment of levies. This may be the case if the tenant has access to certain amenities that are not available to the other residents or if the tenant has exclusive use of a common area, such as a garden or balcony. Additionally, this may be the case if the tenant has access to certain amenities that are not available to other residents.
If you are renting a property in South Africa, it is imperative that you discuss the matter of who is responsible for the payment of the levies with the landlord or the owner of the property. The rental agreement ought to be updated to include this new information. If the tenant is required to make a contribution toward the payment of levies, the rental agreement should also specify the amount of the contribution as well as the frequency of the payments.
It is important to keep in mind that levies are typically paid on top of rent in addition to other expenses such as utility bills. The total amount of the levies will be determined by the dimensions of the property as well as the facilities, services, and conveniences that are offered within the structure or complex. Taxes and fees may be assessed for a variety of services, including maintenance, cleaning, security, and waste management.