Upgrading Your RDP House: What You Can and Can’t Do

Upgrading your RDP (Reconstruction and Development Programme) house is an exciting prospect. As South Africa continues to grow and develop, the need for affordable housing has prompted government initiatives like the RDP program, aimed at providing low-income families with homeownership opportunities. However, if you’re one of the fortunate recipients of an RDP house, it’s important to know what you can and cannot do when it comes to upgrading and improving your home.

In this article, we will explore what home improvements are allowed, what you must avoid, and the restrictions set by the government when upgrading your RDP house.

What You Can Do to Upgrade Your RDP House

As an RDP homeowner, you are permitted to make certain upgrades to your home, though these should still comply with legal regulations and guidelines set by the government. The key improvements that you can make are often straightforward, practical, and cost-effective. Here’s a look at some of the upgrades that are typically allowed:

1. Basic Improvements and DIY Projects

One of the simplest ways to upgrade your RDP house is through DIY (do-it-yourself) projects. These small but impactful improvements can significantly improve your living space without requiring a lot of investment. Here are some examples of what you can do:

• Adding Furniture: You can bring in furniture that maximizes space and functionality. For example, you may install wall-mounted shelving, which helps store items efficiently while freeing up valuable floor space.
• Kitchen Improvements: Installing small sinks, adding extra storage under existing sinks, or introducing new kitchen fixtures like a stove or counter space can help enhance your kitchen’s functionality.
• Storage Solutions: You can add storage solutions such as shelving, cupboards, or even creative storage beneath furniture to maximize available space.

These small projects can be done with minimal costs and offer immediate improvements to your living conditions.

2. Roof and Ceiling Repairs

Many RDP houses have corrugated iron or sheet metal roofs that may experience issues such as leaks. If your house has this type of roofing and it’s leaking, you can carry out basic repairs. This includes:

• Checking Overlaps: Ensuring that the roof overlaps correctly to prevent water from seeping through.
• Sealing Screws: Tightening loose screws and applying waterproofing solutions to stop leaks.
• Waterproofing Membranes or Paints: Using specialized waterproofing paints or membranes that create a barrier against rainwater and extend the life of your roof.

If repairs are more extensive, you may want to consider hiring a professional contractor to ensure that the job is done correctly.

3. Interior Walls and Partitioning

One of the key advantages of owning an RDP house is the flexibility to make changes that suit your lifestyle. If your home feels cramped or lacks privacy, you may want to add interior walls or partitions. This will create separate rooms for different activities, such as turning one large space into a living room and a bedroom, or creating an additional storage area.

Depending on your skills and budget, you can use materials like timber framing and gypsum board cladding to build partitions. It’s important to remember, however, that major structural changes might require approval, which brings us to the restrictions section.

4. Fitting Solar Panels and Security Features

Due to frequent power outages and load shedding across the country, many RDP houses now include government-initiated solar panel installations. These solar panels provide a reliable electricity source, which is especially beneficial in rural or underserved areas. Adding solar panels to your RDP house can improve your energy security and reduce reliance on the grid.

Security is another key area that may require upgrades. Many RDP houses come with burglar bars, which are especially important for families with vulnerable members or those in higher-risk areas. If your home doesn’t already have these features, you may be able to install them, provided they don’t interfere with the house’s structural integrity.

5. Mobility Improvements

If you have family members with disabilities, it’s important to consider upgrades that improve accessibility and mobility. Some RDP houses may require modifications to accommodate wheelchair users or people with other mobility challenges. These modifications might include:

• Rearranging Furniture: Moving furniture to create larger, more accessible walking spaces.
• Installing Handrails: Adding handrails in strategic areas like bathrooms or along hallways.
• Using Mobility Aids: You may choose to equip the house with various mobility aids like ramps or electric wheelchairs to improve independence.

What You Cannot Do or Are Restricted From Doing

While there are many upgrades you can make to your RDP house, it’s equally important to understand what you cannot do. These restrictions ensure that the original purpose of the RDP program — providing affordable housing to low-income families — is upheld.

1. Selling or Renting Within the First Eight Years

One of the most important rules to keep in mind is that you cannot sell or rent out your RDP house within the first eight years of ownership. This period is set by the government to prevent the speculative sale of RDP houses and ensure that they are used by the intended beneficiaries.

If you do decide to move out or can no longer live in your house, you cannot sell or rent it out without prior government approval. The aim is to ensure that these homes remain in the hands of low-income families, preventing wealthy individuals from taking advantage of these subsidized properties.

2. Selling Without Government Approval After Eight Years

Once the eight-year restriction has passed, you are allowed to sell your RDP house, but there are still significant restrictions. You must first offer the house back to the government and obtain written consent from the Department of Housing before selling it to another party. This process ensures that the house does not end up being sold for profit, which contradicts the original purpose of the program.

3. Major Structural Alterations Without Permission

Some changes to your RDP house, especially major structural alterations, may require approval from local authorities. For example, if you plan to add an extra room or make significant changes to the house’s foundation, these types of alterations could interfere with the overall design or safety of the house.

It’s always advisable to consult with a professional architect or contractor and obtain the necessary permits before embarking on significant renovations. If you’re uncertain about the restrictions on your property, it’s a good idea to reach out to the Department of Human Settlements for guidance.

4. Profiting from the Sale

If you decide to sell your RDP house back to the state during the restricted period, you will not be entitled to any payment for it. This is because the government’s RDP houses are intended to help low-income families, not to serve as profit-making ventures. Selling for a profit within the restricted period is not only prohibited, but it also goes against the spirit of the program.

Check also: Smart Tips to Avoid RDP Housing Scams in Gauteng

Upgrading your RDP house is a great way to improve your living conditions, but it’s important to adhere to the legal and regulatory guidelines set by the government. Simple improvements, such as adding furniture, making roof repairs, or installing solar panels, can enhance your home without any major legal hurdles.

However, you should be cautious about selling or renting the property, making structural alterations without permission, or attempting to profit from the sale. By staying informed about the rules and regulations, you can ensure that your upgrades remain compliant with government policies while improving your home for the better.

If you have any doubts or plan on undertaking significant renovations, it’s always best to consult with legal professionals or the Department of Human Settlements for further guidance.