The CPUT Residence Business & Risk Assessment Centre has launched an on-line accreditation system which will refine the process of sourcing suitable student accommodation.

Called Off-Campus Housing Accreditation Program (OCHAP) the accreditation system offers students the opportunity to find private CPUT-accredited alternative accommodation and allows property owners to apply electronically.

CPUT officials will then inspect the particular building and if approved may be accredited.

Each landlord wishing to be accredited has to apply online via the Residences webpage and an automated response will be sent to the applicant as well as alerts to the OCHAP.

In order to be an accredited student accommodation facility the landlord must complete the forms and documents confirming compliance with CPUT regulations must be submitted.

Details of the property will only appear on our website once it has been accredited and the once-off administration fee has been paid.

Proof of ownership or mandate to lease, has to be submitted once you receive feedback on your application.

Each advert has a span of three months on the CPUT website. Once full occupancy is reached the landlord must inform the OCHAP office via email in order for your advert to be retracted from the website.

The database on line is updated regularly to provide students with information of availability of beds, see here

Lease agreements between students and landlords must be for at least six months.

For more info on OCHAP contact the Residence Business & Risk Assessment Centre’s Off-Campus Housing & Accreditation Office on the Bellville Campus on 021 959 6154 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

Written by Kwanele Butana

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

An online database, launched last year to assist CPUT students in the hunt for safe off-campus accommodation, has grown to include more than 700 beds.

The Off-Campus Housing Accreditation Program (OCHAP) aims to ease the pressure on student housing.

It allows students to trawl the database for private accommodation, which has been approved and accredited by CPUT officials.

The number of available beds is expected to increase to between 800 and 1 000 this year.

“Any service provider around CPUT campuses can apply through an online application system.

Students can freely select their place of choice in the bracket they can afford,” says Phillip Chibvuri from the CPUT Residence Business & Risk Assessment Centre.

To qualify, service providers have to provide five beds or more and adhere to a range of requirements. Officials will inspect the accommodation to ensure that the accommodation is safe and suitable for students while proof of ownership and other requirements will also be checked.

Owners pay a once-off fee before being added to the online database.

Lease agreements are also vetted.

“The project has the potential to change the student accommodation market and create a system where local universities adopt a common regulatory approach when dealing with accrediting properties,” says Chibvuri.
To visit the database, go to http://www.cput.ac.za/students/life/accommodation/ochap/properties

Written by Ilse Fredericks
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