Clear answers, no confusion
Frequently Asked Questions
We understand that managing a community scheme comes with a wide range of questions—from day-to-day operations to financial, legal, and maintenance considerations.
This section is designed to provide clear, practical answers to the most common queries we receive. If you need further assistance or can’t find what you’re looking for, our team is always available to help.
What types of schemes do you manage?
Our firm delivers comprehensive management solutions for community schemes, encompassing sectional title, full title, and a wide range of residential developments operating under bodies corporate and homeowners’ associations.
Which geographic areas do you service?
We operate primarily within Johannesburg, Gauteng. We place strong emphasis on maintaining an on-site presence, as we believe community schemes cannot be effectively managed remotely. For this reason, we limit our geographic scope to ensure consistent, hands-on involvement in the schemes we manage.
What distinguishes your services from those of other managing agents?
Misty Lake is a privately owned, family-run business. We focus on delivering tailored management services, ensuring each scheme receives dedicated attention and a level of care that larger corporate managing agents may not provide
What services are included in your management offering?
While the specific scope of services may vary depending on the management agreement, our core offering typically includes:
- Financial management, including levy collection, budgeting, and the preparation of financial statements
- Administrative and secretarial support to trustees and governing bodies
- Maintenance oversight, including coordination of contractors and service providers
- Compliance and risk management, as well as insurance coordination
- Resident communication and stakeholder liaison
- Facilitation of trustee or board meetings, including preparation and reporting
Could you explain how the online portal works and who is able to access it?
- Access to the online portal is role-based and secure, ensuring that users can only view information relevant to their position within the scheme.
- Owners have access to their individual levy statements, as well as documents relating to their unit and the broader scheme.
- Trustees, committee members, or directors are granted enhanced access, including real-time financial information and comprehensive data for the entire scheme.
- This structured access ensures transparency while maintaining appropriate levels of confidentiality and control.
How do prospective clients request a quotation or initiate services with your company?
You can request a quotation by using the “obtain a proposal” feature on our website. Simply provide key information about your scheme—such as its size, location, number of units, and any current challenges—and our team will review the details and follow up with a tailored proposal suited to your specific requirements.
Could you advise when Misty Lake Sectional Title and Management Services (Pty) Ltd was founded and the number of schemes currently under your management?
Misty Lake was founded in 2009 by its directors, Wayne and Olga Wiltshire. The company has grown organically through word-of-mouth referrals and currently manages over 70 schemes, comprising more than 3,000 units under management.
Do you provide assistance with insurance-related matters for the scheme?
Yes, we coordinate insurance for the scheme. We assist in ensuring that appropriate cover is in place, support the management of insurance claims, and help ensure compliance with all relevant insurance requirements.
What role do trustees or directors play within your management approach?
We recognise that trustees and directors typically have full-time professional commitments. Our role is to support, guide, and advise the board, providing the necessary expertise and information to enable informed decision-making in the best interests of the scheme.
How do you ensure transparency and accountability in your management approach?
- We ensure transparency and accountability through several key practices. Regular financial reports and statements are provided to trustees and directors to keep them fully informed of the scheme’s financial position. Trustees and directors also have secure, real-time access to financial data via the online portal.
- In addition, all maintenance activities, procurement processes, and contractual arrangements are fully documented and available for review. We also maintain high professional standards by employing trained staff who operate with integrity as a core principle of our service delivery.
What is the process for handling property repairs or maintenance issues?
- When a maintenance or repair issue arises—such as plumbing, structural, or landscaping concerns—we first assess the nature and urgency of the problem. Where necessary, we obtain quotations or tenders to ensure appropriate pricing and service quality. We then coordinate and supervise the appointed service providers to ensure the work is completed to standard, while monitoring both quality and cost throughout the process.
- In addition, we maintain close oversight of scheme finances to ensure that all maintenance decisions are made with fiscal responsibility in mind.
How do you manage levy collection and arrears?
We manage the invoicing and collection of levies on behalf of the scheme. In instances of arrears, we follow the appropriate legal and procedural steps in accordance with the scheme’s rules and applicable legislation to recover outstanding funds. Throughout this process, we aim to balance firm financial management with maintaining constructive relationships with owners.
How do I go about switching from my current managing agent to Misty Lake?
When initiating a transition to Misty Lake, we will guide you through a structured handover process, including a review of the scheme’s current status and an assessment of any outstanding matters. From there, we will propose a clear timeline for the transfer and integration of our management systems to ensure a smooth and orderly transition.
How do you structure your fees for your services?
Our fees are determined by the size, complexity, location, and scope of services required for each scheme. Upon receiving a request for a quotation, we will provide a detailed and transparent fee structure tailored to the specific needs of the scheme.