How Do I Check My Housing Status

If you’re a citizen of South Africa and have applied for the government’s subsidised housing program, commonly known as RDP (Reconstruction and Development Programme) housing, you may be wondering how to check the status of your application. 

The RDP housing program aims to provide decent housing for people from poor resource settings, promoting social and economic growth in the country. 

In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the steps to check your housing status online, alternative methods to inquire about your application, and answer frequently asked questions about the RDP housing program.

What is RDP Housing?

RDP housing is a government program in South Africa that aims to provide affordable and decent housing for individuals and families living in poor resource settings.

The program was established in 1994 by Nelson Mandela as part of the Reconstruction and Development Programme. It is run by the government, and the application process is free of charge.

RDP Status Check Online: Steps to Follow

While the RDP housing program is managed by the South African national government, the allocation process is devolved to municipalities and provinces, each with its own set of rules and regulations. Applicants should be aware that receiving the keys to their new homes may take time, sometimes up to two years. Patience is key throughout the process.

To check your RDP housing status online, follow these steps:

1. Visit the Housing Subsidy Portal (HSS) or RDP houses portal.
2. Enter your email address, password, and One-Time PIN (OTP) sent to your mobile phone.
3. Navigate to the “My Housing Subsidy” section.
4. Enter your ID number to check the progress of your application.

Alternative Ways of Checking Your RDP Housing Status

If you prefer not to check your RDP housing status online, there are alternative methods available:

• Phone: You can contact the housing department at 0800 146 873 to inquire about your application status.
• Email: Send an email to [email protected] to receive information about the progress of your application.
• In-person Visit: If you prefer a face-to-face interaction, you can visit your nearest housing provincial office with your Form C to check the status of your application.

Other Reasons to Contact RDP Housing Officials

Apart from checking your housing status, there are other reasons to contact RDP housing officials. These include:

• Signing Documents: As an applicant, you may be required to sign certain documents providing key details such as your ID number and contact information. These documents are crucial for the housing department to contact you when your house is ready for occupation.
• Updating Information: If there are any changes in your health status, residential address, postal address, or employment status, it is important to inform the nearest satellite office. Keeping your information up to date ensures a smooth process and avoids any delays.

How to Apply for RDP Houses

To apply for an RDP house, you need to visit the nearest provincial or municipal offices of the Department of Housing. The application process is free, and you will need the following documents:

• Your and your partner’s/spouse’s identity documents (the green books or ID cards)
• Birth certificates of your children
• Proof of income for employed persons, such as a pay slip

In-person Application Process

If you prefer to apply in person, follow these steps at the nearest provincial or municipal offices of the Department of Housing:

• Inform the officials of your intention to apply for an RDP house.
• Fill out the RDP housing subsidy application form provided by the officials, ensuring all details are accurate.
• Depending on your location, completing the application form may require registering with the Municipal Housing Demands Database or the National Housing Needs Register.
• After completing the form, you will be listed on the waiting list and issued a Form C indicating your application date and number. These details will be necessary when checking your RDP housing status online.
• Make several copies of the required documents and have them certified at your nearest magistrates’ court or police station. Submit a copy to the satellite office.

Online Application Process

If you prefer to apply online, follow these steps:

• Visit the Housing Subsidy Portal (HSS) and click on “Register” to create an account.
• Once registered, log into the RDP online application portal.
• Select “New Application”.
• Fill in and verify your details before submitting.

Who Qualifies for an RDP House in South Africa?

To be eligible for an RDP house in South Africa, you must meet the following requirements:

• Be a South African citizen
• Be 21 years of age or older
• Be married, living with a partner, or single with dependents (children do not have to be yours)
• Military veterans and the elderly also qualify
• Be mentally capable of signing a contract
• Be a first-time government grant recipient
• Be a first-time homeowner
• Be unemployed or employed, earning a monthly income of less than R3,500 per household

Worth of an RDP House

The worth of an RDP house can vary depending on the location, as construction costs differ from one province or municipality to another. On average, an RDP housing unit is approximately 50 square meters in size.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I check my housing status in Cape Town?

If you are based in Cape Town, you can check the status of your RDP housing application by calling 021 444 0333 or emailing [email protected].

How do I check my housing status in Gauteng?

To check your housing status in Gauteng, you can visit the housing department offices in the province. Alternatively, you can use the official contact number or email address provided by the Department of Housing.

How do I check my housing status in Ekurhuleni?

If you reside in Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality, you can check the status of your RDP housing application at the municipality offices. You can also use the Housing Subsidy Portal (HSS) or contact the office directly for more information.

How much is an RDP house in South Africa?

There is no cost associated with owning an RDP house for eligible individuals. The government provides the housing units free of charge to qualified applicants.

Is it legal to buy an RDP house?

An RDP house can only be sold with written permission from the municipality. It is illegal to buy or sell an RDP house without proper authorization.

Can I rent out my RDP house?

Upon receiving the keys and title deed from the housing department, you become the owner of the RDP house. However, it is against the rules to rent out the house as it is intended for personal use and not for generating income.

How long is the waiting list for social housing?

There is no set waiting period for social housing. The length of the waiting list can vary, and some people may receive housing units faster than others. It is advisable to check the status of your application regularly to stay informed.

What happens to my RDP house if I die?

If you pass away, the person named in your will and title deed will be entitled to the property. In the absence of a will, the provincial Housing Department will allocate the house to your dependents, who can occupy it until they purchase their own homes.

What happens to my RDP house if I divorce or break up with my partner?

In the case of a divorce or relationship breakup, the court will determine the fate of the RDP house, considering the circumstances and legal agreements involved.

Conclusion

Knowing how to check your housing status is crucial for applicants of the RDP housing program in South Africa. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily check the progress of your application online or through alternative methods.

The RDP housing program aims to provide affordable and decent housing for those in need, contributing to the country’s social and economic growth. Stay informed, be patient, and soon you may have the keys to your new home.