Active Problem Building Caseload at Just Over 300

The Law Enforcement Problem Building Unit has 922 buildings on its list – of these, 35% are active investigations, with most being monitored to ensure continued compliance.

Significant progress has been made by the Problem Building Unit (PBU) in addressing problem properties across the metropole since the amendment of the Problem Property By-law in 2020.

Operationally, there is also greater synergy with other City departments like Finance and Legal Services who now work closely with the PBU to manage City-owned, private, and parastatal properties that fall under the scope of the By-law.

Problem buildings are categorised into various groups based on their status within the investigation process. Of the 922 properties listed, 35% (322 properties) are active cases. The other categories include:

• New cases: 11 properties
• Recommended closed: 72 properties
• Closed cases: 517 properties

Closed cases are monitored for a minimum of two years to ensure continued compliance, after which the property is archived. That said, if the PBU receives a new complaint, the case will be reopened for investigation.

Working closely with other City departments in addressing challenges in property management and enforcement, the PBU achieved many successes, but still faces challenges such as deceased estates with no executor or living relatives which often remain in legal limbo, making enforcement and resolution difficult. Properties with registered owners living abroad who cannot be located. The inability to trace owners delays enforcement and hinders the unit’s ability to take appropriate action.

The Problem Property By-law (2020) clearly defines what constitutes a problem building. This definition is divided into two categories:

• Problem Buildings: As defined in the by-law, these refer to properties with legal, safety, or health-related non-compliance.
• Buildings with Problems: These are properties with aesthetic or minor maintenance issues, such as unpainted surfaces, broken windows, overgrown grass

With every reported case, the PBU conducts an on-site assessment to determine whether the property meets the criteria of a problem building in accordance with the By-law.

If it meets the criteria of a problem building, the registered owner is formally notified and given an opportunity to comply with the provisions of the By-law.
Failure to comply within the prescribed period will result in the property being registered as a problem building.

‘The City’s Problem Building Unit has made great progress by working closely with other City departments, including our EPIC technology and following through on complaints received and investigating cases. The first step in addressing a problem building is reporting it and so we appeal to the public to report any potential risks in their communities. We have often seen that opportunistic criminals would use a derelict building to hide or to use such a building as a base of operations. Let’s work together and support our officers by reporting problem buildings,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith.

Residents can report problem buildings by sending a detailed complaint to the unit’s email address at problembuilding.unit@capetown.gov.za. Alternatively residents can phone the PECC on 021 480 7700 from a cellphone or 107 from a landline.