What Is the CSOS and When Should You Use It?

What Is the CSOS?

The CSOS is a government body set up to regulate and provide a dispute resolution service for all community schemes in South Africa. It exists to help schemes run smoothly, fairly, and in line with the law, without forcing owners or trustees to take expensive legal action in court.

Their mission is to:

• Promote good governance in community schemes

• Offer affordable, quick dispute resolution

• Keep records of community scheme governance documents

  
  

When Should You Contact the CSOS?

You can approach the CSOS when there’s a dispute in your scheme that can’t be resolved internally. Common examples include:

1. Unfair or Disputed Rules

   If you believe a scheme rule is unreasonable, discriminatory, or not applied fairly.

2. Financial Issues

   Disputes over levies, special levies, or failure to provide financial statements.

3. Maintenance & Repairs

   When there’s disagreement over responsibility for fixing a common property issue.

4. Access to Records

   If the Body Corporate refuses to give you access to official documents you are legally entitled to.

5. Conduct Disputes

   Ongoing neighbour disputes over noise, parking, pets, or other behaviour issues.

   
   

How the Process Works

The CSOS follows a structured approach:

1. Lodge Your Application - Fill in the CSOS dispute resolution form and submit it online or in person.

2. Conciliation - An attempt is made to resolve the matter informally through discussion.

3. Adjudication - If conciliation fails, a formal ruling (similar to a court order) is made by an adjudicator.

   
   

Why Not Go Straight to the CSOS?

While the CSOS is there to help, it should be your last resort after you’ve:

• Raised the matter with your trustees or managing agent

• Followed your scheme’s internal complaint process

• Given reasonable time for the issue to be addressed

Approaching the CSOS too soon can slow things down, as they will usually ask for proof that you’ve tried to resolve it internally first.

The Bottom Line

The CSOS is an incredibly valuable resource for sectional title and community scheme living - but it works best when used appropriately. Understanding its role helps owners and trustees navigate disputes fairly, cost-effectively, and with less stress.

Need guidance before taking a dispute further? Cenprop Residential can help you understand your rights, your scheme’s rules, and the most effective path to resolution. Contact our team today.