Most schemes already have a unit schedule in Excel. CommunityDesk can read it as it is: you don’t need to retype anything.

Before you start

• Save the file as .xlsx or .csv (5 MB at most, up to 2 000 rows per import).
• Use one row per unit, with its registered owner on the same row.
• Title rows above the headings are fine. CommunityDesk finds the heading row itself and recognises common heading names (for example Section, Door no. or Erf for the unit number).

Columns it understands

• Unit number (required): the section, door or erf number as the scheme uses it.
• Block, Floor area (m²), Unit type and Occupancy (Owner, Tenant or Vacant).
• Owner name, Owner email, Owner phone, Owner ID / registration no. and Owner postal address.
• Payment reference, Water meter no. and Electricity meter no.

Floor area is used for participation-quota levies, so include it for a sectional title scheme.

Step by step

1. Go to Units and choose Import (or open the Add the units and owners to-do on your dashboard).
2. Choose the file.
3. Check the columns. Each field shows the column CommunityDesk matched, with a sample value. Change any that are wrong, or choose Not in file.
4. Check what will happen. Every row shows whether it will be added, updated or skipped, or has a problem, with the reason.
5. Choose Import.

Good to know

• An owner with several units is recognised by email (or by name when there’s no email) and added once.
• For units already on file, tick Update units already on file to bring them in line with the spreadsheet. Empty cells never clear anything, and a change of owner is flagged for you to check.
• Nobody is emailed during an import. When you’re ready, send welcome emails from the Welcome everyone to-do.