CSOS

Community Schemes Ombud Service (CSOS)

What is the CSOS?

The Community Schemes Ombud Service (CSOS) is a South African regulatory body established to regulate the conduct of parties within community schemes and provide a cost-effective dispute resolution mechanism for administrative issues. 

Types of Schemes Regulated:

The CSOS has jurisdiction over various shared living arrangements, including: 

  • Sectional title development schemes
  • Home or property owner’s associations (HOAs)
  • Share block companies
  • Housing schemes for retired persons
  • Housing cooperatives 

Key Functions of the CSOS

Dispute Resolution: Providing an alternative, inexpensive, and efficient system for resolving administrative disputes within community schemes through conciliation and adjudication processes.

Governance Documentation: Regulating, monitoring, and quality-assuring all community scheme governance documents (such as rules and constitutions) and acting as their custodian.

Education and Awareness: Offering information, documentation, and training to owners, occupiers, and executive committees regarding their rights and obligations.

Promoting Good Governance: Ensuring the good and transparent governance of community schemes. 

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