After Registration: Remember to Apply at the Municipality

After buying a new property, it is crucial to receive statements from the municipality for rates, taxes, and services. If you are not getting these statements, here are a few reasons why and what to do about each one.

1. Setting up your account

When you purchase a property, you need to open an account with the municipality for billing purposes. If you have not done this, you will not receive any invoices. Make sure you have completed the necessary steps to set up your account, typically within 14 days of transfer registration.

2. Incorrect contact details

If the municipality has an incorrect mailing or email address for you, your statements will not reach you. It is essential to verify that the municipality has the correct contact information on file. Update both the postal and email addresses in your municipal profile.

3. Postal service disruptions

Issues such as postal strikes or delays can prevent you from receiving your bills, even if the municipality has sent them out. Be mindful of any postal service problems in your area that might affect delivery. Switching to email billing removes this risk entirely.

4. Delayed billing

Typically, it takes between one and three months to receive your first bill after registering a property. If it is taking longer, contact the municipality to ensure there is not a problem. In the meantime, set aside an estimated monthly amount based on the previous owner's bills (the conveyancer should have provided the rates clearance figures showing this).

5. Email invoice registration

Many municipalities offer the option to receive invoices via email. If you prefer this method, ensure you have registered correctly on their website to receive electronic statements. Email statements arrive faster and create a searchable record.

6. Account mistakenly closed

Sometimes, accounts can be accidentally closed by the municipality. If you are not receiving statements, check to see if your account has been mistakenly closed and get it reinstated if necessary. Keep your transfer registration documents handy: the municipality will require proof of ownership to reopen the account.

7. Website downtime

If the municipal website is down, you might not be able to access electronic statements. In such cases, visit the municipal office, call them for a paper copy, or request that they send it via email or fax.

8. Missed invoices

Occasionally, municipalities may skip a month and then send multiple invoices at once. If you notice this pattern, contact the municipality to confirm and consider paying an average of your previous bills monthly to stay on track. Catching the gap early prevents an unmanageable arrears letter six months later.

Tips for ensuring you receive your statements

• Confirm account creation. Verify that your account with the municipality has been set up correctly.
• Update contact information. Make sure the municipality has your accurate postal and email addresses.
• Monitor communication channels. Be aware of potential issues with postal services or the municipal website that could affect statement delivery.
• Be proactive. If you are not receiving your statements or notice any irregularities, contact the municipality promptly to resolve the issue.

By understanding these common reasons, you can better manage your municipal accounts and ensure you receive all necessary statements.

Related Africa Estate guidance

• The residential transfer process explained: where rates clearance and the municipal handover sit in the conveyancing sequence (Stage 7).
• How to buy a house in South Africa: Step 8 of the buyer journey covers post-registration tasks including the municipal account.
• Seller net proceeds explained: the seller-side view including the rates clearance pre-payment.

Just registered a property and battling to open a municipal account? Contact Africa Estate. We will route you to the right municipal-services contact and follow up on your behalf.