As a homeowner in a community scheme, you’re likely familiar with the various fees and levies associated with your property. One important payment is the Community Schemes Ombud Service (CSOS) Levy. In this article, we’ll break down what the CSOS Levy is, how it’s calculated, and what you need to know.

What is the CSOS Levy?

The CSOS Levy is a mandatory fee paid by community schemes to fund the operations of the Community Schemes Ombud Service. CSOS provides dispute resolution services, training, and education to community schemes.

How is the CSOS Levy Calculated?

The CSOS Levy is calculated based on your community scheme’s annual budget. However, as an individual homeowner, you’ll pay a portion of this levy as part of your monthly levy.

To calculate your monthly CSOS Levy contribution:

1. Take your monthly levy amount
2. Subtract R500
3. Multiply the result by 2% (or 0.02)

Example:

Let’s say your monthly levy is R1,436.

1. R1,436 – R500 = R936
2. R936 x 0.02 = R18.72

Your monthly CSOS Levy contribution would be approximately R18.72.

Why Do I Need to Pay the CSOS Levy?

The CSOS Levy helps fund essential services that benefit your community scheme, including:

• Dispute resolution
• Training and education
• Regulation and monitoring
• Access to information and resources

What Are the Benefits of CSOS?

As a homeowner, you’ll benefit from:

• Expert dispute resolution
• Improved scheme governance
• Enhanced community living

Conclusion

Understanding your CSOS Levy contribution is crucial for being an informed homeowner. By knowing how the levy is calculated and what benefits it provides, you can better appreciate the value it brings to your community scheme.

Additional Resources

For more information:

• Visit the CSOS website
• Contact CSOS directly (0800-000-653)
• Consult the Community Schemes Ombud Service Act (2011) and CSOS Regulations (2017)