Navigating the New CSOS Compliance Landscape: What Trustees and Property Owners Need to Know

The landscape of community scheme governance in South Africa is changing, and staying informed is more important than ever. With the draft release of the Community Schemes Ombud Service (CSOS) Consolidated Practice Directive for 2025, trustees, managing agents, and property owners are being called to meet a more structured and transparent compliance standard.

At Steer & Co, we believe that clarity builds confidence. That is why we are unpacking some of the most relevant updates and what they mean for those responsible for the effective, lawful management of residential and commercial schemes.

1. From Fragments to Framework: A Single Source of Compliance Truth

For years, CSOS practice directives have been issued in fragments. The new draft directive consolidates all existing documentation into one central reference. This means trustees and scheme executives now have a single, streamlined document to guide them through:

• Scheme registration and rule amendments
   
• Appointment of managing agents or administrators
   
• Governance document submissions
   
• Dispute resolution and levy collection
   
• Section 10 certificate notifications

This shift promotes consistency across the industry. It also introduces clearer expectations and shorter turnaround times. Staying informed and aligned with these standards is now a key part of responsible scheme management.

2. Speed and Transparency: Submitting Governance Documents

One of the most impactful changes is the 30-day requirement for submitting key governance documents to CSOS. This includes:

• AGM minutes
   
• Trustee resolutions
   
• Budget approvals
   
• Rule amendments

For many schemes, this will mean improved internal processes and stronger coordination between trustees and managing agents. At Steer & Co, we have already adopted internal compliance tracking to support our clients in meeting these obligations efficiently.

3. Welcome to the Digital Era: CSOS Connect Becomes Official

The CSOS Connect portal is no longer optional. Under the draft directive, it becomes the formal platform for:

• Submitting compliance documents
   
• Making levy payments
   
• Registering schemes
   
• Appointing managing agents
   
• Uploading annual returns

Trustees and scheme executives must now ensure that authorised representatives are trained and prepared to manage these online functions. A proactive digital approach will be key to smooth, timely compliance.

4. On-Site Visits Under Consideration

The directive also proposes the possibility of CSOS investigators conducting physical site visits to assess compliance. While the logistics are still being discussed, the underlying message is clear. CSOS is reinforcing its role not only as a regulator, but as a presence within schemes.

Schemes should make sure all records, rules, and maintenance documentation are well-organised and accessible, both digitally and on-site.

5. Flat Levy Model on the Horizon

The current sliding levy model is under review. A flat-rate model has been proposed to improve consistency and remove any ambiguity around levy calculations. Although the implementation timeline is still to be confirmed, it is worth preparing for financial adjustments in the coming year.

What This Means for Trustees and Owners

These evolving requirements signal a shift toward greater professionalism, transparency, and operational accountability in scheme management.

At Steer & Co, we view this as an opportunity to help trustees and owners build stronger, more resilient communities. Compliance should not be a burden. It should be a tool to support sound governance and future-focused property management.

We are ready to guide our clients through these changes with systems, support, and clear communication at every step.

Need guidance? We are here to help you align your scheme with the latest requirements and manage the details with confidence.