City's housing offices open, customers urged to make an appointment
17 September 2020
The City of Cape Town has opened its housing offices in accordance with national COVID-19 regulations. However, the City urges customers to make an appointment before visiting to ensure they will be assisted. In addition, customers are encouraged to make use of online payment options and service request channels.
The City has reopened its housing offices in a phased manner since early August 2020, in accordance with national COVID-19 regulations. We will ensure all COVID-19 health and safety protocols are in place and adhered to for the safety of City staff and members of the public. It is imperative that customers make an appointment before visiting an office. They may do so by phoning the relevant housing office ahead of visiting in person. This assists with managing high volumes, especially on busy days and helping us all to adhere to COVID-19 health and safety requirements. We thank our customers for their patience during this time.
‘It must be emphasised that housing offices are working on a reduced staff complement to adhere to the COVID-19 regulations. Appointments are crucial. Please phone your nearest housing office to make an appointment ahead of visiting the office in person. Due to the reduced number of staff that are allowed to attend to customers at the same time, there could likely be queues. So it is best to contact the housing offices before visiting to see if the service request can be dealt with telephonically or to make an appointment.
‘Customers are reminded to only visit offices when absolutely necessary so that we continue to curb the spread of COVID-19. Only a limited number of customers will be allowed into the building at any one time and only customers who have made an appointment will be assisted. Social distancing rules are in place and only those wearing masks are allowed entry into our facilities. We thank our customers and tenants for their understanding,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Human Settlements, Councillor Malusi Booi.
A number of transactions can be completed at the offices including:
logging service requests such as maintenance
applying for indigent relief grants
making arrangements for debt repayment on accounts
applying for transfer of tenancy
signing of lease agreements
applying to renew lease agreements
the use of the free call lines in foyers
The national COVID-19 regulations, which require a reduced staff complement, mean fewer customers can be seen each day. All counters may not be open at the same time to adhere to the COVID-19 regulations of enhanced hygiene and social distancing. It should be noted that offices are subject to rapid closure due to COVID-19 regulations when required.
What to expect when visiting an office:
COVID-19 screening at the entrances
Limited number of customers allowed in at a time, if applicable
Social distancing is required and must be adhered to
Limited daily transactions, so please make an appointment
The elderly and disabled will be given first preference
For account and rental payments:
EFTs: Select the City as a bank-listed beneficiary. Use only your nine-digit municipal account number as reference
Retailers: Checkers, Pick n Pay, Shoprite, Spar and Woolworths
e-Services: Use the City’s online e-services portal
ATM: contact your bank to add the City as an ATM beneficiary
The City needs everyone to contribute their fair share as income from rental payments is used to maintain the rental units. Those who are in financial difficulties, must approach us. Hoping that debt will go away or ignoring the problem, is not the answer and there is help on offer. As a caring City, we make allowance for residents who are unable to pay to apply to the City for relief.
Those who are struggling to pay, are advised to make an appointment to visit their local housing office to enter into a satisfactory arrangement to pay off their arrears. It is then imperative that the amount due is paid regularly, each month, to ensure that the relief granted and the arrangement made is not cancelled and to avoid debt management action against customers.
Our offices are open on weekdays from 08:00 to 15:00. For a list of the City’s housing offices and their contact details, please visit this page.
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Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office
