With inflation and more and more people living on or just below the breadline, it is becoming increasingly difficult to stretch funds to cover the costs of living.
In tough times people often resort to undesirable measures to survive. An increased amount of prepaid meter tampering and illegal electricity consumption has left many investor Sellers in a situation where they need to fork out exorbitant amounts in respect of meter tampering charges, meter replacements and for consumption of electricity.
The municipality holds the registered owner directly liable for these funds, notwithstanding that these illegal acts may have been caused by the tenants or other occupants of the property.
Owners are thus encouraged to attend to attend regular checks at the property and specifically to check for broken meter seals or tampered meters. Any suspected broken seals or tampering must immediately be reported to the municipality for inspection and remedy well in advance of a sale of the property to avoid unneccesary delays being suffered during the course of the transfer registration.