There's no place quite like Richmond Hill.

The municipality has requested residents to fill in the details on an official form which helps them to process the complaint. This means that, even where illegal land use has been previously reported, it needs to be on the official form.

Properties housing students must comply with specific zoning schemes, National Building Regulations, and local Public Health Bylaws, as well as conditions set by the university and NSFAS. Two of the most important are adequate security and having a waste removal contract. If there are no security doors and burglar bars on the windows of the building then it is non-compliant and a target for thieves. If black bags are put out for the rubbish truck then the contract is not in place.
Owners are also required to consult with neighbours before renting out the premises to students.

Official Complaints Form

Here are the step-by-step actions to take:

1. Document the Evidence
Before making a report, gather as much concrete evidence as possible to prove the property is being used as student housing.
This includes:
Photographs/Videos: Visual proof of overcrowding, multiple beds per room, or excessive numbers of students entering and exiting the premises.
Details: Note the exact times of day the activities occur, noise disturbances, and any issues regarding waste or insufficient parking.
Ask the students for copies of their lease contracts.
Property Information: Provide the exact physical address, the suburb, and the Erf number. You can find the Erf number on the attached Map (but need to zoom in on our area) or NMBM website, Click on For Me, then Property Valuations, Search Properties, and the said address).

2. Submit a Written Complaint on the Official Form (the Municipality insists the form is used)
Anonymous complaints are generally not investigated by the municipality. They also do not accept a complaint submitted by the SRA as your proxy. You will need to submit your details and a sworn affidavit if the case goes to court. Complete the official NMBM Land Use Complaint Form. (Attached, available at the SRA Office and Alan will have in the bakkie).

Submit the signed form with evidence attached to Richmond Hill SRA Office, via WhatsApp
(061 427 6431), e-mail (office@rhsra.co.za) or hand deliver to 33 Irvine Street.

You may also : Submit the form via email or by hand to the Human Settlements Directorate
(Land Use Management) and Building Control departments at the municipality.
(ajohnson@mandelametro.gov.za).

Please copy the office in (office@rhsra.co.za) so that we can keep track of the complaints and follow up for you.

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Richmond Hill 5 Year Business Plan 1 July 2024 to 30 June 2029

Click here to Download our 5 Year Plan to understand the goals, aims and objectives of the Richmond Hill SRA.

Hi! Hallo! Molweni!

PLEASE TAKE NOTE:

This is the SRA patroller number 079 905 9009. This is the number to be used to phone or to WhatsApp the patroller. Any questions, please feel free to ask. Thank you.

Welcome to the Richmond Hill SRA webpage. This Richmond Hill (to distinguish from others around the world), is mainly a residential suburb and is part of the CBD of Port Elizabeth located in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa.

Although it also features a number of businesses, the suburb is second to the oldest residential area in South Africa. It is also the largest historical residential area in South Africa and as such lodges roughly 232 hectares in Nelson Mandela Bay Metro.

Old suburbs are subjected to decay and neglect but the property owners of Richmond Hill decided that these adverse influences and perceptions can be stopped by becoming involved in the preservation and improvement of our valuable heritage.

Old as it may be, do not discount our funky and trendy world-renowned restaurants in Stanley Street! A place to meet your friends and view the famous, but also a place to sit back and relax on the pavements with your favourite dish or cuppa!

On these pages you will find all the information on how the process of improvement and preservation developed. You will find how the various private initiatives were and still are executed to protect our amazingly vibrant and trendy suburb! In addition, if your are a resident or property owner, you will find all the info on how to get involved in this dynamic process!

* The Richmond Hill Special Rates Area is a Non Profit Company and because it is a business, all content here and on related social media pages are conducted in English, the business language of South Africa.

YOU CAN GET INVOLVED IN THE RICHMOND HILL SRA

You can get involved in The Richmond Hill SRA.
Attend our meetings (see the facebook page for details of the next meeting).
Avail your services to be a Director.
Volunteer to become part of the Management Team.
Become a volunteer for special projects or a committee.
Keep the SRA informed of any suspicious behaviour or municipal needs in the Richmond Hill SRA area.