1. How does YOUtility collect money from my tenants?
When your tenant buys a token, they essentially pay upfront for it via one of the vendors on our national vending network. We collect the money from the vendor and transfer it to our secure trust bank account. The money is then paid over to you. This is just one of the ways in which we take care of the small stuff so you don’t have to.
2. How and when are property owners paid?
After we collect the total prepaid sales, we will transfer the value collected (minus YOUtility’s fees) to the property owner’s registered bank account. The funds will be transferred by no later than the 5th of each month.
3. My banking details have changed, how can I update them?
Simply get in touch with YOUtility’s service desk (email servicedesk@youtility.co.za or call 086 122 0244) and request a Banking Details Change Form. Complete this form and send it back to the service desk with the following: - The original banking details of your old bank account (or of the previous owner).
- Banking details of your new account (or the new owner’s account).
- A letter from your banking institution confirming the new banking details.
Once we have all the necessary information, we will verify all the details and, if all is in order, update our systems accordingly.
4. How do I change ownership?
You can do this by following a few easy steps. First, get in touch with YOUtility’s service desk (email servicedesk@youtility.co.za or call 086 122 0244) and request a Change of Ownership form. Complete this form and send it back to the service desk with the following: - Copies of the previous and new owner’s IDs
- A deed of transfer or letter of authority.
Once we have all the necessary information, we will verify all the details and, if all is in order, update our systems accordingly.
5. Where do I find the tariff for the property?
The tariff should be stipulated on your bill you receive from the municipality, Eskom or gas provider. For us to confirm the tariff, you need to provide us with the name of your municipality. Should your bill reflect a bulk tariff, please get in touch with us on 086 122 0244 or email servicedesk@youtility.co.za for more guidance and assistance.
6. How would I ensure that the monthly collections correspond with what I owe the property's electricity and water providers?
The best way to check this is to compare your statements from YOUtility for a certain period with those from your municipality over the same period. If there is a significant difference, be sure to contact our service desk (email servicedesk@youtility.co.za or call 086 122 0244) to adjust your tariff. Do note: Because tenants make purchases upfront but only consume at a later stage, there’s likely to be discrepancy on a monthly basis. However, over a rolling 12-month period, collections should be equal.
7. Does the meter replace the municipal meter?
No, the YOUtility meter will never replace the municipal, Eskom or gas provider meter. The YOUtility meter(s) should always be installed on the same side of the property as the municipal, Eskom or gas provider meter(s).
8. Who determines the tariff?
The tariff is regulated by law, and determined by your municipality, Eskom or gas provider. It is against the law to charge tenants or property owners more than the regulated tariff amount.
9. Can arrears, levies or rental debts be recovered?
Yes, certain levies and/or rental debts are recoverable via the prepayment vending system, on condition that your rental agreement, body corporate or estate’s rules allow for these debts to be recovered in this manner.
10. Do I need to change my meters to move to YOUtility?
It all depends on your current set up.
If you have a different supplier’s STS meter, which you own, behind your municipal, Eskom or gas provider meter, we can simply transfer the meter to our vending system.
However, if the existing meter isn’t STS-approved or you don’t own it, you will need a new YOUtility meter. This process is hassle-free!
11. How do I register as a Landlord?
One of our experts will take you through the process.
Simply call us on 021 928 1827 or 021 928 1828, or email us at sales@youtility.co.za