Property glossary
Participation quota
Also known as: PQ
Each sectional-title unit's percentage share of the scheme, used to set its levy contribution and voting value.
Definition
The participation quota (PQ) is the proportional share that a sectional-title unit holds in the scheme, expressed as a percentage. It is ordinarily calculated from the floor area of the section relative to the total floor area of all sections, and it appears on the sectional plan. The PQ drives how much each owner pays in levies and the value of that owner's vote and undivided share in the common property.
In the South African context
Participation quota is defined and calculated under the Sectional Titles Act 95 of 1986, based on the floor area of each section. Under the Sectional Titles Schemes Management Act 8 of 2011 (STSMA), levies are ordinarily raised against owners in proportion to their participation quotas unless the rules provide for a different basis, and the PQ also governs the value of a vote in a poll. HOAs do not use participation quotas; their cost-sharing is set by the association's constitution.
Example
A 120 m² flat in a scheme with 2 000 m² of total sectional floor area has a participation quota of 6%, so it carries 6% of the levies and a 6% share in the common property.
Why it matters
The participation quota is the single number that determines fair levy apportionment, voting weight and each owner's share of the common property, so an accurate PQ schedule underpins both billing and governance.
Informational only — not legal advice. Confirm specifics against the current Act and your scheme’s rules.
Sources
- Sectional Titles Act 95 of 1986 — Participation quota calculated from floor area of each section relative to the total
- STSMA — Sectional Titles Schemes Management Act 8 of 2011 — levies and votes ordinarily determined by participation quota unless rules provide otherwise