Property valuation objections deadline extended

THE eThekwini Municipality has announced that it has extended the deadlines for ratepayers looking to apply for rates rebate renewals and for those who want to lodge objections to the new valuations of their homes.

The new deadline for both is May 16, 2022.

“This is so that property owners have sufficient time to fill out their renewal documents and also inspect and object to their property value, if necessary,” the municipality said.

The city said the rates rebate renewal forms had been posted to qualifying individuals and could also be obtained by emailing ratesrebates@ durban.gov.za or can be collected at the customer’s nearest Sizakala Centre.

The documents must be accompanied by certified copies of the account holder’s Identity Document, municipal bill and any other relevant supporting documentation. Both issues have raised concerns in communities.

As of April 14, close to 3 000 people had objected to the valuations of their homes as they said these were too high. They said the valuation process was unfair as it unfairly increases their rates.

The new valuation roll was published in February 2022 and will come into effect on 1 July 2022.

The municipality said the date of valuation has been determined as at 2 July 2021 and the general valuation will reflect the market value of all properties in accordance with property market conditions applicable at this date.