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The City of Cape Town owns many properties, including houses built next to depots and works. Some of these were meant to house staff who needed to live near their work. Council adopted a Policy on Staff Occupying Council Property in 2007. It sets out guidelines for staff who occupy City property. It covers situations where no housing exists or reasonable housing is unavailable near the work centre. The policy requires written lease agreements. It also distinguishes between employees who must live on site and those who don't. A nominal rental applies if an employee is required to stay on council property. Otherwise a market-related rental applies.
Disposing of surplus houses is regulated. The City's Immovable Property By-law says the Council shall not alienate or let municipal immovable property below market value unless permitted or prescribed otherwise. The Council must advertise its intention to alienate or let the property and invite written public comment. The City's public guidance adds that when property is declared surplus, it follows a competitive process, by tender or auction, to sell or lease it.
Day-to-day oversight of City-owned property falls to the Property Transactions Department. It oversees the management and control of City properties, also known as immovable property assets. Questions about who occupies a property and who pays for upkeep go to the transparency and value-for-money of public assets. Unused or poorly maintained housing can become a financial burden on ratepayers. It can also attract vandalism or illegal occupation. Occupants' personal details are also protected by privacy law. Council members can get fuller answers through formal written questions.
