There have been several questions about what exactly Social Housing is, who qualifies and how rent is calculated. So in order to help you understand, clear up any confusion and know what social housing can offer to your household, please see below:
What is Social Housing?
Before we delve into what Social Housing is and how it works for you, let’s take a look at what the Government of South Africa stipulates in the Social Housing Act.
The Social Housing Act 16 of 2008 aims:
- to establish and promote a sustainable social housing environment;
- to define the functions of national, provincial and local governments in respect of social housing;
- to provide for the establishment of the Social Housing Regulatory Authority in order to regulate all social housing institutions obtaining or having obtained public funds;
- to allow for the undertaking of approved projects by other delivery agents with the benefit of public money;
- to give statutory recognition to social housing institutions; and
- to provide for matters connected therewith.
(View South African Government website for more info on the Social Housing Act https://bit.ly/3jozz4n)
Housing is a basic amenity that all South Africans have a right to, ensuring that South Africans can live with dignity and raise their families in safe and secure environments.
So, how does Social Housing work?
Social Housing is a rental housing option for households earning between R1 850 and R22 000 per month.
Social Housing Institutions (such as Capital City Housing) manage the operations and maintenance of the rental units. You then pay a reduced rental amount, based on your total household income, to the Social Housing institution.
It must be understood that the Social Housing Institution is providing subsidized housing, adhering to the Social Housing Act of South Africa and therefore, when renting from the Social Housing Institution, it acts as the “Lessor” and the tenant is the “Lessee”
Who qualifies for Social Housing?
These are the criteria to be eligible for Social Housing:
- You are a South African citizen or have a permanent residency permit.
- You are 18 years or older.
- You are married or living with a partner.
- You are single or divorced.
- Your monthly household income is between R1 850 and R22 000 before deductions.
If you meet this criteria, click Apply online.
How is your rent calculated?
Rent is calculated based on your total household income and based on the guidelines of the Social Housing Act. Rent is roughly calculated at 33.3% of your total household income, however, please note that this is a baseline for rental calculation and rental amounts will vary from one applicant to the next depending on your total household income and therefore is different for everyone.
Please note that utilities and other administrative fees are not part of your rental amount and must be paid over and above your stipulated rental amount. Details of these costs will be clearly stated in your Lease agreement.
Do you fall within the income bracket stipulated by the Social Housing Act? Then click Apply online.
Please note that rental units are subject to availability and are rented out based on each household’s needs.
Will you own your rental unit?
No, our flats are only for rental. Capital City Housing owns the flats it rents out, and the units will never be for sale.
The rental units, owned by Capital City Housing, will always remain in the ownership of the Association, with the sole purpose of being rented out to tenants who qualify as per the terms of the Social Housing Act.
Why you should choose Capital City Housing?
Here are the key benefits of choosing to rent at our Social Housing developments:
Suitable for families of all sizes: Our 1, 2- and 3-bedroom apartments are ideal for families.
Well maintained: All our developments have sprawling, well maintained grounds.
Recycling Centre: Our Signal Hill and Acacia Park developments have recycling centers to ensure that tenants can dispose of their rubbish responsibly.
Community development projects: We have a number of community development projects and community events such as movie nights, kids fun events, etc. for an enriching community living experience.
Computer centres: Our Signal Hill and Acacia Park developments boast of well-equipped computer centres allowing learners to have access to high-speed internet on premises. Adults can also use the computer centres to conduct online banking, apply for jobs etc.
Tuck Shops: With Tuck shops on premises, tenants do not have to travel far for daily necessities such as bread, airtime or milk and can find all essential items right on premises.
So, what are you waiting for? Use our online application form to apply for housing and become a part of close-knit community.