The National Housing Code -Community Residential Units (CRU) Programme

Summary

The Community Residential Units (CRU) Programme is a national housing policy designed to provide stable, public-owned rental accommodation for low-income households earning under R3 500 monthly. This framework targets the redevelopment of neglected hostels and dysfunctional inner-city buildings to bridge the gap between informal settlements and the formal housing market. The sources detail a variety of technical interventions, ranging from structural stabilisation and refurbishment to complex building conversions and new greenfield constructions. Comprehensive guidelines are provided for funding arrangements, capital maintenance, and social facilitation to ensure project sustainability. Furthermore, the documents outline a cost-recovery rental model and clarify the distinct roles of provincial and municipal governments in managing these residential assets. Overall, the programme seeks to transform public housing into secure, integrated environments while maintaining permanent state ownership of the property stock.