Community Residential Units (CRU) in South Africa
Community Residential Units (CRUs) are a government-subsidised housing programme that provides affordable rental accommodation in urban areas, particularly in converted hostels and inner-city buildings. CRUs are intended for low-income people who cannot afford private rental accommodation or who do not qualify for other housing subsidy programmes.
What Are CRUs?
Community Residential Units were developed to address the need for affordable, secure rental accommodation in South African cities. The programme converted existing single-sex hostels (built for migrant workers during apartheid) and inner-city buildings into family and individual rental units.
CRUs are not owned by tenants — they are rented at subsidised rates, typically managed by a municipality, Social Housing Institution, or non-profit organisation.
Who Qualifies for CRUs?
- South African citizens or permanent residents
- Over 18 years of age
- Household income between R0 and R7,500 per month
- In need of accommodation in an urban area
- Not already benefiting from another government housing programme
- Priority given to former hostel residents and current residents of inner-city buildings targeted for conversion
CRU rents are usually between R500 and R2,500 per month, depending on the unit size and the household income.
How CRUs Work
The Department of Human Settlements provides a capital subsidy to municipalities or other housing entities to upgrade or convert existing buildings into CRUs. Once completed, the units are rented out to qualifying tenants at below-market rates.
Tenants sign lease agreements and are expected to pay monthly rent. The rent is typically set at 30% of the household's gross income to ensure affordability.
Types of CRU Units
| Unit Type | Typical Size | Suitable For |
|---|---|---|
| Single unit | 20–30 m² | Single persons or couples without children |
| Family unit | 40–50 m² | Families with children |
| Shared communal facilities | Individual rooms | Single adults in converted hostels |
Where Are CRUs Located?
CRUs are concentrated in major urban centres where the original hostel and inner-city housing stock existed:
Johannesburg: former mine hostels and Johannesburg Housing Company inner-city buildings
Cape Town: Langa, Gugulethu, Nyanga, Khayelitsha — converted hostels
Durban: Gledhow, KwaMashu and other former hostel sites
East London, Pretoria, and other cities also have CRU projects
How to Apply
- Contact your local municipality housing department and ask about available CRU units.
- Ask the municipality which Social Housing Institution or managing entity administers CRUs in your area.
- Contact the managing entity directly and request an application form.
- Submit the form with your ID, proof of income, and proof of current address.
- You will be placed on a waiting list for the next available unit matching your household type.