Mortgage Bond Arrears: Can You Challenge a Certificate of Balance?

KVV Inc Attorneys

Published on: 04/03/2025

Falstaff's disdain for "paying back" echoes in modern debt disputes. While a "certificate of balance" (COB) aims to simplify proof of debt, a recent High Court case clarifies it's not absolute. A couple challenged a bank's R2.1m claim, citing lack of statements. The court ruled the COB is merely prima facie evidence, not conclusive proof. Lenders must provide accurate breakdowns, while borrowers should scrutinize demands, not be intimidated by COBs, and demand transparency.