Section 10 Certificates: What They Are and Why They Matter to Buyers and Sellers

If you've ever sold or bought a sectional title unit, you've almost certainly encountered a Section 10 certificate – even if you didn't know it by name. It's a small document that can make or break a transfer timeline.

What the Certificate Confirms

A Section 10 certificate (issued in terms of Section 15B(3)(a)(i)(aa) of the Sectional Titles Act, commonly referred to by reference to the body corporate's levy clearance obligation) confirms that all amounts due to the body corporate by the selling owner – levies, special levies, interest, and other charges – have been paid, or that arrangements satisfactory to the body corporate have been made.

Why the Deeds Office Requires It

The Deeds Office will not register a transfer of a sectional title unit without this certificate. It protects the incoming owner from inheriting the previous owner's levy debt, and protects the body corporate's cash flow by ensuring outstanding amounts are settled before ownership changes hands.

The Process

Conveyancer Requests the Certificate

The transferring attorney contacts the managing agent or trustees to request the levy clearance figures.

Account Reconciliation

The managing agent reconciles the seller's account – confirming levies, arrears, special levies, and any outstanding recoveries.

Certificate Issued

Once the account is settled (or an acceptable arrangement is confirmed), the certificate is issued to the conveyancer.

Transfer Proceeds

The Deeds Office will only register transfer once the valid certificate is lodged with the other transfer documents.

Common Causes of Delay

Outstanding special levies not yet reflected on the account

Disputes over arrears interest or legal collection costs

Slow turnaround from the managing agent in reconciling accounts

Incomplete handover records from a previous managing agent

Unresolved CSOS disputes affecting the levy account

Certificate requests submitted without enough lead time before transfer

A Small Certificate With a Big Impact on Timelines

A Section 10 certificate is routine paperwork right up until it isn't – and a slow-moving managing agent can single-handedly delay an entire property transaction. Efficient, accurate account administration is what keeps this process invisible to buyers and sellers alike.

Selling a Unit and Need a Fast Turnaround?

PPSP processes levy clearance certificates promptly and accurately, so your transfer isn't held up by admin.

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