SLH Inc

CoJ’s unfair debt collection practices – a welcome judgment The High Court of South Africa recently handed down a judgment criticizing the local authority for its “unprincipled debt collection practices’. The #judgment related to four urgent applications involving the #disconnection, or the threat thereof, of utilities by the City of Johannesburg (CoJ), City Power, and Johannesburg Water, despite ongoing disputes between the customers and the CoJ. Acting Judge C Badenhorst said the cases “reveal the continued corrosive impact of unchecked power on the CoJ’s collective practices” and urged the CoJ to urgently address and rectify “this pernicious practice and its underlying causes to ensure a fair and just administrative process for all its customers and ratepayers”. “Additionally, it underscores how a specific group of lawyers, frequently retained by the CoJ, persistently pursue unmeritorious arguments, undeterred by the facts of the individual cases”. SLH Inc represented one of the applicants, Hyde Park Gardens Pty Ltd. The #successful SLH Inc team included Nazeer Saley, Patricia Bumba, and on brief, Yakoob Alli and Zaheera Hoosen as counsel. Read the full judgment below.

Our clients asked and we answered – Do our offices offer Shariah compliant Wills? Yes – our offices can assist with the drafting and signature of fully Shariah compliant Wills. Please feel free to contact our offices and set up an appointment to discuss your preferences when it comes to certain aspects of the Will and our offices will be happy to assist with the drafting of the Will and providing you guidance for the signature of the Will. Contact us at SLH Inc if you need assistance in drafting a Shariah compliant Will. #EstatePlanning #Law #LegalTips #Wills #Planning #LegalProcess

What is the importance of Compliance Certificates when purchasing a Property? Compliance Certificates come in different forms namely Electrical, Gas, Fence, Borer and Plumbing (to name a few). It is important to check that your sale agreement requires the Seller to obtain these certificates relating to the property. These certificates ensure that an independent contractor has certified that the relevant aspect of the property (for example, the electrical installation) is compliant with statutory requirements. #Property #Law #LegalTips #Transfer #BuyProperty #SellProperty #Conveyancing #RealEstate #LegalProcess

When you are considering making an offer to purchase a property, it is always important to do your own due diligence. Employing the services of a professional inspector to inspect the property you planning to purchase could save you a lot of money down the line. Including this requirement as a suspensive condition to your offer to purchase is a top tip! #Property #Law #LegalTips #Transfer #BuyProperty #SellProperty #Conveyancing #RealEstate #LegalProcess

Splitting up? Understanding spousal maintenance is crucial, here are a few aspects you will have to consider: 1. Legal Obligations: it is important to be aware of your rights and responsibilities.  2. Financial Disclosure: full transparency is key 3. Fairness: it is always first prize for the parties to meet in the middle and come to an agreement that is fair for both sides 4. Duration: Temporary or long-term support? 5. Legal Assistance: Consult an expert for clarity. At SLH Inc we are aware that the process of splitting up can be strenuous and emotionally draining, which is why we handle our matters with care and try ensure smooth transitions for our client during these times. Should you require any assistance regarding your divorce, feel free to reach out to our offices. 💻 www.slhinc.co.za 📞 011 728 6666 ✉️ law@slhinc.co.za #SpousalMaintenance #LegalInsights #SLHInc

From purchasing a property and making payment of the purchase price into your Attorney’s Trust Account to paying deposits and fees for your legal matters, it is always important to take active steps to avoid fraudulent cyber activity and theft, a few steps include: - Always verify banking details telephonically with your attorney. - If possible, opt for Bank Guarantees opposed to immediate and direct cash transfers. - Always be vigilant and take note of the latest cybercrime trends and pay careful attention to any correspondence you may receive from your attorney. Kindly note that SLH will never advise of any change in banking details via email or any other electronic communication. Additionally, we ask all our clients to confirm banking details with us via telephone prior to making any payments. #cybercrime #fraud #theft #trustmonies #legalprocess #Slhinc

Our clients asked and we answered – What are the options available to clients to cover their legal fees? • Retainer agreements – this agreement sees you pay your attorney a fixed monthly amount and guarantees that the firm’s legal services will be made available to you as and when you need them.   • Contingency agreements – this agreement works on a no win/no fee basis. And you only pay a fee if the case results in a favourable settlement or judgment for you. • Upfront deposit payments are the most commonly used option and see clients paying an upfront amount to cover specific expenses related to their case. At SLH Inc we provide a range of solutions to suit any budget. Contact us for more information. 💻 www.slhinc.co.za 📞 011 728 6666 ✉️ law@slhinc.co.za #Legalfees #Budgeting #Legalservices #Litigation 

What is the role of an Estate Agent in a property transfer? An estate agent is employed by a Seller to find a suitable Purchaser to buy their property.  Thereafter the estate agent will assist the parties in putting together a legally sound agreement known as an Offer to Purchase, which will be signed by the parties. The estate agent is also tasked with conducting a Property Inspection Report with the parties, which will also be signed by the parties. Finally the estate agent is responsible to deal with any queries from the parties relating to the property throughout the transaction and once the transfer is completed, they will handle the handing over of the keys and final checks.  #Property #Law #LegalTips #Transfer #BuyProperty #SellProperty #Conveyancing #RealEstate #LegalProcess

Received your monthly municipal account and almost passed out from disbelief… Well, if this is you, not to worry, here are a few things you will need to do to begin the process of querying the correctness of your account: 1. Call the City’s Call Centre and lodge a query specifying the nature of your dispute, alternatively, you may attend at the City’s Customer Service Centre and obtain a reference number.  2. If after 30 days, your query has not been resolved to satisfaction, you may declare a dispute by lodging a written query.  3. All queries and disputes declared must be accompanied by payment of at least the total amount outstanding or payment based on the average monthly previous charges before the dispute arose.  4. The City will then investigate and if the query is found to be correct, your account will be adjusted accordingly.  5. If after 90 days, the dispute is not resolved to satisfaction you may either appeal the decision or refer the query or dispute for conciliation or mediation to the office of the City’s Ombudsman. Panicked, overwhelmed and not sure where to begin, contact our offices for assistance. #incorrectbilling #law #municipality #coj #dispute #legalprocess #SLHinc (NOTE: this is from the COJ Credit Control & Debt Collection Policy)

When buying a property, what the key elements to look out for? Location, Location, Location! Consider the area you are looking to buy a Property in. Does the area have good schools and amenities such as shopping malls, entertainment facilities, hospitals and healthcare facilities. Property value is closely linked to the location of the property, so considered these factors to ensure you are purchasing a good investment for the future. #Property #Law #LegalTips #Transfer #BuyProperty #SellProperty #Conveyancing #RealEstate #LegalProcess