GEORGE NEWS - A homeowner in Mann Street, to the detriment of surrounding residents, has made maximum use of municipal regulations that allow 10 unrelated persons to live on a single residential property.

The house and two outbuildings on the property in question were converted to enable the letting of nine rooms to individuals. 

The tenants have moved out during the past week or two, after months of complaining by neighbours to George Municipality and the rental agent. 

During this period they had to contend with loud conversations at all hours, swearing and parties and loud music lasting into the early morning hours, even during the week.

An irate resident, who wants to remain anonymous, said the number of bedrooms in the house had been doubled and a double garage renovated to serve as two rooms/flatlets. 

Another separate flatlet at the back of the house was also rented out. Residents' privacy was affected as tenants liked to sit on the landing of an outside staircase that had been newly added to the house during the approved renovations. 

"The problem lies with the George Municipality that has allowed a residential property to be changed so that the homeowner can run a hostel, which is unacceptable in a residential area," said the resident.

Laying charges with the police about noise disturbance had no effect. The property was also in a neglected state.

In an e-mail to a municipal official, another resident expresses utter frustration: "Right now would be a great time for noise inspection. A crowd of extremely loud and cursing individuals arrived at at 21:37, woke the whole household and neighbouring residents who now are exposed to arguments and slamming doors - ongoing!"

Devaluing of properties

A spokesperson for the residents who also did not want to be named, said if this type of accommodation becomes common in residential neighbourhoods, it will devalue these areas and affect property values. 

"It is therefore important that the municipality should stringently regulate this, especially in the light of increasing demand for student accommodation and some property owners taking this up as an opportunity to make money. They themselves do not live on their own property, but see it as an investment."

The property was not being maintained properly.

10 unrelated people allowed

Senior communications officer for the municipality Ntobeko Mangqwengqwe said in terms of the George Integrated Zoning Scheme by-law, all single residential properties can accommodate a dwelling house which may comprise a main house and a 60m² second dwelling. Each dwelling unit may accommodate a family. 

"A family is defined as being a group of related people with two unrelated people or a group of five unrelated people. Thus, in terms of the provisions of the zoning scheme, up to 10 unrelated people - five in the main house and five in the second dwelling - may live on a single residential property as a right."

Mangqwengqwe said the definition of a dwelling unit also states that each unit may have two rooms that are not interleading with the rest of that dwelling. "Thus, up to four detached rooms may be permitted on the property. The zoning scheme prescribes that if the dwelling unit is occupied by unrelated people, then one parking bay must be provided for every bedroom."

There was damage to the property.

'No unlawful occupation'

He said all the structures on the property were lawfully erected by the owners. "There are no separate flatlets on the property. There is the main house, the second dwelling and the four outside rooms. The owners, therefore, have the right to host nine individual tenants on the property. There is therefore no land use contravention taking place on the property."

He said in most instances, these types of tenant arrangements are well managed and do not have any negative impacts on the surrounding neighbours. 

"There will, however, always be exceptions and the Planning Department is proposing amendments to the zoning scheme by-law to better regulate these activities on residential properties."

A notice in terms of the Nuisance by-law was issued to the owner of the property.

The spokesperson for the unhappy residents said, "I believe the municipality is opening itself up for contention with such regulations, however we hope that the new tenants, which we have learned will be a single family, will bring relief to the neighbourhood. The property has also been spruced up a bit and it looks neat now."

Rubbish sometimes lay strewn on the lawn.

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