How To Start A Ratepayers Association In South Africa
What is Ratepayers Association?
Ratepayers’ Association in the United Kingdom and other countries is a name used by a political party or electoral alliance contesting a local election to represent the interests of those who pay rates to the municipal government. In Canada a ratepayers’ association is the same thing as a neighbourhood association
How To Start A Ratepayers Association In South Africa
To establish a residents association, you will need to:
- Form a committee, with an elected Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, Secretary, and Treasurer and committee members.
- Adopt a constitution.
- Keep certain records and documents, like an up-to-date list of members, any other rules of the association.
- Setting up the initial meeting
Once you are confident that there is an interest within your local area and residents are committed to get involved, you will need to plan the first meeting. The key points to consider are listed below.
The purpose of the meeting?
Be clear about why the meeting is being held and what it aims to accomplish.
Setting the date and time.
It is important to consider timings when setting up the meetings, consider conducting a questionnaire to find what date and time suit the majority.
You should give people at least one week’s notice of the meeting.
Some people may be afraid to come to meetings alone, particularly at night. You may want to consider offering a service to accompany people to and from the venue.
Invite representatives.
If you have decided to invite representatives from other bodies e.g. the council, contact them and check they can attend.
Find a suitable venue for the meeting.
Contact your local hall or find a room to hire. Venues should be wheelchair accessible. You may want to consider hiring a venue that has a children’s play area to enable parents to attend the meetings.
Advertise the meeting.
Make posters, flyers or advertise by word of mouth. Contact your local council or other relevant association to assist.
Financial support
Before setting up a residents association, you should consider the ways you can publicise and inform people of events and issues. Do you have the financial support to produce leaflets, posters, newsletters, hire a meeting room? If you are working to a low budget, it is worth checking the ways you are able to raise money, such as holding fundraising events, accessing available funding streams. This information is not always readily available; you can contact the local council who can assist you or contact the organisation directly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the benefits of a residents association?
A residents’ association has a more powerful voice and influence in than one individual voice. The residents’ association can meet with ISHA to discuss issues of concern and seek to get them dealt with. You can meet people from your estate / area and organise social events.
What do you need for a residents association?
Normally they’ll look for the same things as a Tribunal: 60% membership; a fair written constitution; a list of members; and proof of election of the officers. You should ask your managing agent if they have a statement on how they work with associations once they’ve been recognised.
What is the purpose of a ratepayers association?
Ratepayers’ Association in the United Kingdom and other countries is a name used by a political party or electoral alliance contesting a local election to represent the interests of those who pay rates to the municipal government.
Does a residents association need insurance?
It protects you from the cost of any unexpected incidents that residents’ associations could be liable for, which could result in financial difficulties for your company. Public liability insurance for residents associations is not compulsory but essential to ensure your financial survival.
Are residents associations legal?
Residents’ Associations can be set up and run informally but a formally recognised Residents’ Association acquires additional legal rights. A Residents’ Association obtains formal recognition as follows: Write to the landlord and request written recognition.
What can a Recognised Tenants Association do?
What are the benefits of a Recognised Tenants’ Association? A certificate of recognition gives the association the legal right to: Request information about service charge costs from the landlord, including accounts and receipts. Be consulted on the appointment of a managing agent.