CS
Community Schemes Ombud Service (CSOS)
Verified Business
CS
Community Schemes Ombud Service (CSOS)
Verified Business
18 Reviews (last 12 months)
AI Review Summary
Based on recent customer reviews, Community Schemes Ombud Service (CSOS) receives sharply divided feedback from sectional title owners seeking dispute resolution. A recurring theme is prolonged delays in adjudication, with customers consistently mentioning cases stretching across many months or years without meaningful progress, poor communication, and complaints being dismissed on technicalities. Some reviewers express deep frustration with perceived bias toward trustees and managing agents. In contrast, a smaller group of customers commend specific staff members for professionalism, helpfulness, and effective enforcement of orders, highlighting that the legal mechanism can deliver results when properly executed.
Performance(last 12 months):
TrustIndex
3.2
Ranking
#4
in Government & Ombudsman Services
NPS Score
-78
Recommended: Unlikely
Review Distribution
1.7|18 Reviews
Jul '25 - Jun '26
Recent reviews (18)
Used this business recently? Share your experience to help others decide.
Used this business recently? Share your experience to help others decide.
Share Your ExperienceA
Anonymous
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
7 May 2026, 16:45
Request for CSOS statement
Good day I have awarded you a 5-star rating in advance, believing you can be of assistance. I have logged a query (Ticket Number 1775823970136) dated 10 April 2026 and have follow it up with an e-mail addressed to [email protected] on 28 April 2026 at 8:34 a.m. requesting a statement about the allocation of our Sectional Title Scheme's (Gauteng) levies paid during the past years. I have requested in the e-mail to acknowledge receipt but no feedback up to date of any kind have been received. Kindly furnish me with an e-mail address of a Head of Department who can assist me in this regard. I will then forward all relevant details - also my previous e-mail, to such Head of Department. Thanks and best regards.
Helpful (0)
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Anonymous
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
7 May 2026, 16:45
Request for CSOS statement
Good day I have awarded you a 5-star rating in advance, believing you can be of assistance. I have logged a query (Ticket Number 1775823970136) dated 10 April 2026 and have follow it up with an e-mail addressed to [email protected] on 28 April 2026 at 8:34 a.m. requesting a statement about the allocation of our Sectional Title Scheme's (Gauteng) levies paid during the past years. I have requested in the e-mail to acknowledge receipt but no feedback up to date of any kind have been received. Kindly furnish me with an e-mail address of a Head of Department who can assist me in this regard. I will then forward all relevant details - also my previous e-mail, to such Head of Department. Thanks and best regards.
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Replies (0)A
Anonymous
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
20 Apr 2026, 09:52
PATIENCE, PERSEVERANCE AND THE POWER OF CSOS INTERVENTION
I would like to sincerely thank the CSOS Durban team, especially Siboniso Mnikathi and Nompumelelo Mthethwa for their professionalism and assistance in helping enforce an order relating to a long-standing sectional title dispute. After nearly a decade of ongoing structural and maintenance concerns within our scheme, CSOS provided a clear legal mechanism that allows owners to seek fair and structured resolution. Importantly, I have learned that sectional title owners must educate themselves regarding the remedies available under the Community Schemes Ombud Service Act. Many owners do not realise that CSOS orders can be certified and enforced through the Sheriff, which gives real legal effect to the adjudication process. The process requires patience and careful documentation, but it demonstrates that there are mechanisms available to ensure accountability and proper governance within community schemes. I appreciate the efforts of all the CSOS officials involved and encourage other sectional title owners to fami****ize themselves with the legal protections available to them.
Helpful (0)
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Anonymous
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
20 Apr 2026, 09:52
PATIENCE, PERSEVERANCE AND THE POWER OF CSOS INTERVENTION
I would like to sincerely thank the CSOS Durban team, especially Siboniso Mnikathi and Nompumelelo Mthethwa for their professionalism and assistance in helping enforce an order relating to a long-standing sectional title dispute. After nearly a decade of ongoing structural and maintenance concerns within our scheme, CSOS provided a clear legal mechanism that allows owners to seek fair and structured resolution. Importantly, I have learned that sectional title owners must educate themselves regarding the remedies available under the Community Schemes Ombud Service Act. Many owners do not realise that CSOS orders can be certified and enforced through the Sheriff, which gives real legal effect to the adjudication process. The process requires patience and careful documentation, but it demonstrates that there are mechanisms available to ensure accountability and proper governance within community schemes. I appreciate the efforts of all the CSOS officials involved and encourage other sectional title owners to fami****ize themselves with the legal protections available to them.
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Replies (0)A
Anonymous
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
17 Mar 2026, 07:25
PATHETIC SERVICE FROM CSOS
Its been 2 years. I lodged a complaint with CSOS about water leaks at my complex which was coming from the roof. The body corporate at that time sorted the roof out and said they have no money to do the leaks. We are paying extremely high levies to zimbali Which they increased even more this year. CSOS only contacted me after 2 years. In this time the Adjudicator was questioning me only about who's property it was and that i must send her proof . Each time I sent something. She asked for something else. Then she wanted me to get someone to go and give a report on the leaks which I was going to do until the body corporate, the lady by the name of karla said she will do. Karla said she will send someone in that week. The Adjudicator kept asking for the settlement of this case. Karla did not respond. The Adjudicator then closed the Case saying that I didn't not comply so case is close and that I must take it to high court. How pathetic service. I comp****. The body corporate didn't but this looks like it was a ploy. They don't help you. It took 2 years to get this response and the body corporate still has not sent someone to have a look at the unit. The lady from CSOS Asha Sewpersadh doesn't know how to do her job as an adjudicator. Now i have no choice but to take to High court, Thank god i have good lawyers.
Helpful (0)
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Anonymous
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
17 Mar 2026, 07:25
PATHETIC SERVICE FROM CSOS
Its been 2 years. I lodged a complaint with CSOS about water leaks at my complex which was coming from the roof. The body corporate at that time sorted the roof out and said they have no money to do the leaks. We are paying extremely high levies to zimbali Which they increased even more this year. CSOS only contacted me after 2 years. In this time the Adjudicator was questioning me only about who's property it was and that i must send her proof . Each time I sent something. She asked for something else. Then she wanted me to get someone to go and give a report on the leaks which I was going to do until the body corporate, the lady by the name of karla said she will do. Karla said she will send someone in that week. The Adjudicator kept asking for the settlement of this case. Karla did not respond. The Adjudicator then closed the Case saying that I didn't not comply so case is close and that I must take it to high court. How pathetic service. I comp****. The body corporate didn't but this looks like it was a ploy. They don't help you. It took 2 years to get this response and the body corporate still has not sent someone to have a look at the unit. The lady from CSOS Asha Sewpersadh doesn't know how to do her job as an adjudicator. Now i have no choice but to take to High court, Thank god i have good lawyers.
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Replies (0)A
Anonymous
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
26 Feb 2026, 13:26
No progress after a year since complaint
I am writing as a follow up to CSOS-16510/WC/24. The case was referred to Adjudication on Apr 30 2025. As our next AGM is coming up in April, I would've expected feedback by now but there is still no feedback. I submitted my Complaint on 10 March 2025. Almost a year later and still no real movement. This is really not encouraging at all for an institution that is supposed to be of assistance to owners of community schemes.
Helpful (0)
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Anonymous
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
26 Feb 2026, 13:26
No progress after a year since complaint
I am writing as a follow up to CSOS-16510/WC/24. The case was referred to Adjudication on Apr 30 2025. As our next AGM is coming up in April, I would've expected feedback by now but there is still no feedback. I submitted my Complaint on 10 March 2025. Almost a year later and still no real movement. This is really not encouraging at all for an institution that is supposed to be of assistance to owners of community schemes.
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Replies (0)A
Anonymous
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
19 Feb 2026, 12:48
Useless service
I lodged a formal complaint with the CSOS (1874/WC/24) nearly two years ago regarding a fence erected by the neighbour of our scheme in contravention of municipal regulations. For almost two years, I was repeatedly assured that this was a simple matter and would be attended to shortly. However, CSOS only recently issued a response and confirmed that: • The fence was not compliant with municipal regulations; and • The trustees agreed that the temporary fence would be removed after 6 months. Despite this, CSOS dismissed the application on the basis that the “relief sought is misconceived.” This outcome is incomprehensible. If the complaint is valid and the trustees themselves agree to remove the ******** structure, how can the application be dismissed? It is deeply concerning that numerous other reviews reflect similar experiences — where individual owners’ complaints are dismissed rather than decisively addressed. This creates the perception that CSOS is reluctant to hold trustees accountable, while individual members are left without meaningful recourse. Owners pay monthly levies which include contributions toward CSOS, with the expectation that the Ombud will provide fair, efficient, and impartial dispute resolution. When valid complaints are dismissed on technicalities after years of delay, confidence in the system is severely undermined. I sincerely hope CSOS will provide a clear explanation for this decision and demonstrate that it exists to protect all members of community schemes — not only trustees.
Helpful (0)
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Anonymous
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
19 Feb 2026, 12:48
Useless service
I lodged a formal complaint with the CSOS (1874/WC/24) nearly two years ago regarding a fence erected by the neighbour of our scheme in contravention of municipal regulations. For almost two years, I was repeatedly assured that this was a simple matter and would be attended to shortly. However, CSOS only recently issued a response and confirmed that: • The fence was not compliant with municipal regulations; and • The trustees agreed that the temporary fence would be removed after 6 months. Despite this, CSOS dismissed the application on the basis that the “relief sought is misconceived.” This outcome is incomprehensible. If the complaint is valid and the trustees themselves agree to remove the ******** structure, how can the application be dismissed? It is deeply concerning that numerous other reviews reflect similar experiences — where individual owners’ complaints are dismissed rather than decisively addressed. This creates the perception that CSOS is reluctant to hold trustees accountable, while individual members are left without meaningful recourse. Owners pay monthly levies which include contributions toward CSOS, with the expectation that the Ombud will provide fair, efficient, and impartial dispute resolution. When valid complaints are dismissed on technicalities after years of delay, confidence in the system is severely undermined. I sincerely hope CSOS will provide a clear explanation for this decision and demonstrate that it exists to protect all members of community schemes — not only trustees.
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Replies (0)A
Anonymous
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
16 Feb 2026, 10:01
Community Schemes Ombud Service (CSOS) Breach of contract
Hi I write regarding case reference CSOS 8067/GP/25. A valid Settlement Agreement was concluded under this reference. The Respondent has failed to comply with its material terms, and CSOS confirmed that the agreement would be converted into an Adjudication / Enforcement Order. I was expressly informed that this order would be issued by close of business on Friday. That deadline has passed and the order has not been issued. No formal explanation or revised timeline has been provided. The continued delay in issuing the enforcement order is effectively allowing the Respondent’s breach of the settlement agreement to continue unchecked. This situation is causing ongoing prejudice, as the agreement relates to maintenance and safety conditions affecting access to the property. I therefore record that: The Respondent remains in breach of the Settlement Agreement; and The failure to issue the enforcement order within the timeframe communicated has rendered the current process ineffective in securing compliance. Please confirm, in writing, the status of the enforcement order and when it will be issued. How is it possible for CSOS to breach the contract and comply with the date as stated ? This is a serious matter and CSOS and the Body Corporate is not taking this matter seriously. I give you till the end of today, if this is not being resolved I will take this into legal matter. I do not want any more excuses or apologies.
Helpful (0)
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Anonymous
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
16 Feb 2026, 10:01
Community Schemes Ombud Service (CSOS) Breach of contract
Hi I write regarding case reference CSOS 8067/GP/25. A valid Settlement Agreement was concluded under this reference. The Respondent has failed to comply with its material terms, and CSOS confirmed that the agreement would be converted into an Adjudication / Enforcement Order. I was expressly informed that this order would be issued by close of business on Friday. That deadline has passed and the order has not been issued. No formal explanation or revised timeline has been provided. The continued delay in issuing the enforcement order is effectively allowing the Respondent’s breach of the settlement agreement to continue unchecked. This situation is causing ongoing prejudice, as the agreement relates to maintenance and safety conditions affecting access to the property. I therefore record that: The Respondent remains in breach of the Settlement Agreement; and The failure to issue the enforcement order within the timeframe communicated has rendered the current process ineffective in securing compliance. Please confirm, in writing, the status of the enforcement order and when it will be issued. How is it possible for CSOS to breach the contract and comply with the date as stated ? This is a serious matter and CSOS and the Body Corporate is not taking this matter seriously. I give you till the end of today, if this is not being resolved I will take this into legal matter. I do not want any more excuses or apologies.
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Replies (0)A
Anonymous
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
5 Feb 2026, 15:34
Community Schemes Ombud Service (CSOS)
I submitted a complaint to CSOS KZN which eventually culminated in sending final submissions for adjudication. This was in November 2024. I've tried contacting CSOS intermittently since then with no real response at all. I find their arrogant and flippant actions toward a sanctioned process absolutely pathetic. CSOS is the last line of defense for people like me that require our voices to be heard when unfair practice and blatant ignorance prevails.
Helpful (0)
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Anonymous
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
5 Feb 2026, 15:34
Community Schemes Ombud Service (CSOS)
I submitted a complaint to CSOS KZN which eventually culminated in sending final submissions for adjudication. This was in November 2024. I've tried contacting CSOS intermittently since then with no real response at all. I find their arrogant and flippant actions toward a sanctioned process absolutely pathetic. CSOS is the last line of defense for people like me that require our voices to be heard when unfair practice and blatant ignorance prevails.
0
Replies (0)A
Anonymous
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
22 Jan 2026, 13:51
Outstanding Service - Samkelo Manana CSOS johannesburg
I would like to commend Samkelo Manana, the switchboard operator at the CSOS Johannesburg, for her exceptional service. Samkelo is an excellent ambassador for the organization who went above and beyond to assist me in closing my query and expediting my matter. Outstanding Service - Samkelo Manana Her dedication, professionalism, and problem-solving abilities were truly impressive. Samkelo is a great asset to the CSOS, and I believe she has the potential to be more effectively deployed in other departments where her outstanding skills and customer service excellence could make an even greater impact. Thank you, Samkelo, for your invaluable assistance!
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Anonymous
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
22 Jan 2026, 13:51
Outstanding Service - Samkelo Manana CSOS johannesburg
I would like to commend Samkelo Manana, the switchboard operator at the CSOS Johannesburg, for her exceptional service. Samkelo is an excellent ambassador for the organization who went above and beyond to assist me in closing my query and expediting my matter. Outstanding Service - Samkelo Manana Her dedication, professionalism, and problem-solving abilities were truly impressive. Samkelo is a great asset to the CSOS, and I believe she has the potential to be more effectively deployed in other departments where her outstanding skills and customer service excellence could make an even greater impact. Thank you, Samkelo, for your invaluable assistance!
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