Let the home buyer beware
It is probably a good thing that most aggrieved South African home buyers who think that they have been cheated by a seller, simply don’t have the money to take the seller to court, says John Graham, CEO of home inspection company HouseCheck. Graham says that the voetstoots clause provides such effective and unfair legal […]
Home inspection can empower home buyers
The CEO of a leading home inspection company, John Graham, says angry home buyers contact him every week with stories about how their dream home has turned into a nightmare. “People make the biggest purchase of their lives – a new house – and then discover that the house has serious problems which will cost […]
Consumer Champion inspires HouseCheck
I have just spent a very inspiring hour with South African retail legend Raymond Ackerman discussing HouseCheck and its campaign to champion the rights of the consumer/home buyer. Mr Ackerman told me how, many years ago, he had been rescued from making a bad buying decision with his first home in Johannesburg by a bank […]
The Consumer Protector fights for her job – Saturday Star
. A FIGHTER: National Consumer Commissioner Mamodupi Mohlala-Mulaudzi. Noni Mokati Some regard her as a “problem child” – an overly litigious woman who uses any opportunity to run to the courts at first provocation by her employer. But national consumer commissioner Mamodupi Mohlala-Mulaudzi believes she is nothing but a woman and worker hell-bent on fighting […]
Property Buyers Rights are stated in Part H of the Consumer Protection Act
Right to fair value, good quality and safety Definitions applicable to this Part of the Act 53. (1) In this Part, when used with respect to any goods, component of any goods, or services : (a) ‘‘defect’’ means: (i) any material imperfection in the manufacture of the goods or components, or in performance of the […]
Holding companies to account when they breach the Consumer Protection Act
Suing suppliers in court at great personal risk and expense is no longer your only option. The Consumer Protection Act aims to give you as a consumer a range of new rights and protections against dishonesty or negligence on the part of the companies from which you buy goods and services.
Avoid litigation at all costs
Two things involved in building or renovating a home are pretty certain: There will be cost overruns – the original budget is likely to be hopelessly inadequate There will be disputes/arguments between the client (dissatisfied with the cost/quality of the job) and the building contractor (who has either under-quoted and who has run out of […]