The mysteries of how the Beetle Infestation Certificate protect you, your wood roof trusses, and your family in the Cape and Kwazulu Natal revealed and explained.
The requirement of the issue of a beetle certificate by the Seller to the Purchaser is generally included in Offers to Purchase in the Cape and Kwazulu Natal where infestation does occur, to protect the Purchaser. The conveyancer is obliged to see that this requirement is fulfilled, unless the requirement has been specifically excluded from the Agreement (i.e. the Purchaser has waived his right to insist that he be provided with a beetle certificate prior to registration of transfer).
Beetles And Sectional Title
Beetle certificates are usually not required where the property is a Sectional Title unit. In many sectional title properties, the section consists of the inside of the unit up to the middle of the containing walls, floors and ceilings.
Beetles infest the wood in a building especially the roof trusses. The unit, which the owner is responsible for, excludes the roof trusses. The body corporate is therefore responsible for beetle damage. But remember, the owner is a member of the body corporate, and is therefore responsible for a portion of the body corporate's expenses!
Some sectional title properties include the roof space in the unit. It would be wise to get a beetle certificate for such units in areas where wood beetles are a problem.
Beetle Types
Most beetle certificates only guarantee that the premises are free from certain types of beetle (e.g. oxypleuris beetle), but exclude other common infestations such as furniture beetle. It is sometimes wise for the Purchaser to insist on a certificate guaranteeing the absence of all beetles.
Beetle Infestation Certificate
A Beetle Infestation Certificate is very important when buying a property in coastal areas such as the Cape and Kwazulu Natal.
Be aware that buyers have the right to insist that a beetle infestation inspection be included in the written offer to purchase before signing. Don't be shy to ask and don't be caught napping