PROPERTY hijackings are fast becoming a major problem in the South of Johannesburg, where Rosettenville, Turffontein, South Hills, Regents Park, Kenilworth, Booysens and Forest Hill have been identified as the main hot spots.
The COURIER spoke to a reliable source, who didn’t want to be named for safety reasons, to find out when a property can be deemed as ‘hijacked’.
Exchange of income
This is when income is collected for rent without the permission or acknowledgment of the true and rightful owner. Any income collected without the permission of the rightful owner, is a contravention of Section 3 of the PIE Act. When looking for rooms to let, it’s the responsibility of the individual to verify ownership details at the deeds office, or to at least ensure that you receive written confirmation from that person that he or she is entitled to rent out the property to you. If one is renting without a lease, or no receipt is issued for rent, or your rent has to be deposited into a bank account without you having received an invoice or statements – it could be a sign of illegitimate or fraudulent ownership.
Loss of control by the rightful owner
When investigating possible properties for sale or rent, try and find out whether payments on the property have fallen into arrears. A good sign that the owner is no longer in control, is normally a property that’s poorly maintained. This is also often the case when tenants sublet to other tenants and the property becomes overcrowded. Illegal electric connections and broken windows, pose a risk and should be a warning sign. Such a property is usually classified as a slum property.
Verification of the rightful owner
When you rent or live next to a property where numerous people come to claim ownership over the property, you should be alarmed. This normally happens when an auction of the property hasn’t yet taken place, or deceased estates aren’t finalised and various people come to the property and request rent. Verification of ownership is needed.
Be vigilant
Hijacked properties are contributing to urban decay, creating grime and crime. Frequently houses are occupied by sex workers and their pimps, promoting the spread of prostitution as well as drug use and criminal activities. Residents need to know who their true neighbours are. It doesn’t help moving further South, as the problem will only follow in time. The problem needs urgent intervention to reduce its spread.
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