Fearing Foreclosure: What are your rights as the homeowner?

The recent junk status announcement has shaken us into a quick action of tightening our belts and letting go of luxuries to afford our day to day expenses. This financial condition inhibits the possibility of purchasing a new house, let alone affording your current home. Have you thought about what you would do if your foreclosure wiped its shoes on your doormat?

• You have the option to sell

Selling, rather than waiting for foreclosure, offers a greater possibility of you receiving greater value for your home. You may choose to sell privately or through an estate agent. It is advisable that your qualified conveyancing attorney be notified of any concerns, as well as any interests of potential buyers. During this time, look for alternative home solutions, and consider a suitable transfer date.

• Prior to the signing of the agreement of sale and the transfer of ownership, the property still belongs to you. 

• You have time

Before receiving a foreclosure notice, the bank allows a grace period for you to catch up on your bond instalments. It may be difficult to do so, considering your finances have already been tightrope walking over the past few months. Meeting with your bank allows the opportunity for a payment restructure to be discussed and agreed upon.

• The repossession procedure is paused during the time you are in application of or in debt review. The National Credit Act allows this opportunity. 

• Approach your lawyer

If, after attempting to recover payments, you receive foreclosure summons, contact your lawyer. As stated by section 26(3) of the South African Constitution, your eviction may not be finalised without an official court order. The courts consider all relevant circumstances before reaching a final eviction decision.

• You may not be arbitrarily removed from your home.

• You won’t be homeless

You have the right to adequate housing, despite your previous or current economic standing. Adequacy is determined by a place to eat, shelter, a place to sleep, and a place to raise a family, and this accessibility is the responsibility of the state. Following the outcome of the sale by the bank, the home is no longer in your ownership, and the state classifies you as an unlawful occupier.

• The eviction process will then follow that of the Prevention of Illegal Eviction from and Unlawful Occupation of Land Act.

References:

National Credit Act

Constitution of the Republic of South Africa [1996]

Prevention of Illegal Eviction from and Unlawful Occupation of Land Act [No. 19 of 1996]