On 7 May 2020, Regulations were issued in Government Gazette No 43293 by the Department of Co-Operative Governance and Traditional Affairs in terms of the Disaster Management Act, No. 57 of 2002.
In terms of such regulations from 7 May 2020 to 7 June 2020 persons together with furniture and goods may move, including across provincial, metropolitan and district boundaries during alert level 4 to new premises under one of the following conditions:
1. If a new lease agreement was entered into before or during the lockdown period; or
2. If the transfer of immoveable property occurred before the lockdown period and requires a change in place of residence.
The regulations refer to this as a once off movement only. Persons who need to travel to their new place of residence may transport their household furniture, goods and personal effects only. As briefly mentioned above the period allowed for such move is between 7 May 2020 and 7 June 2020.
In order to undertake such move, such persons mentioned above must:
1. obtain a permit from a Station Commander, or his designated person, from their local Police Station to travel across provincial, metropolitan or district boundaries. A copy of the form for such permit is available in the regulations at www.gov.za, alternatively please contact our offices and we will send you a copy of such form;
2. on the form indicate the persons who are part of the household and will be required to move;
3. have a copy of the relevant lease agreements indicating the date of expiry of the old lease and the date of commencement of the new lease; or the transfer documents attesting to the change in place of residence or change of ownership of the property.
Please note the above is applicable as at 7 May 2020 and may change if these regulations are amended or repealed by new regulations. This newsflash has been prepared for information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice, or a legal opinion, the practical application of the provisions of this newsflash will vary depending on the facts of each case.
