Question: Is it allowable/acceptable to get in touch directly with strata manager for unit repairs to common property, rather than go through the executive committee? Answer: Yes, because in all likelihood, before the strata manager issues a work order for the repairs (subject to the extent of repairs), the strata manager will seek approval…
Question: In NSW is there is an obligation for the strata to provide a common area water tap / garden tap for use of residents for garden watering and car washing? Answer: There is no general obligation to install a common area tap to which you refer, however, the owners corporation is free to do…
Question:This site recently replied to an SA question about Common Property Alterations. Is the response also applicable for alterations to common property in NSW? Answer: The balance of decision making power by an owners corporation is by simple majority. Changes to common property in NSW and Types of Resolutions The NSW position regarding changes…
Question: What steps do we take to organise a leaky roof repair? What if some owners refuse to pay? Answer: The roof repairs will be common property and a repair that jointly the Executive Committee and the appointed Strata Manager would arrange for its repair. The roof repairs will be common property and a repair that…
Question: An ordinary resolution passed in 1991 at a general meeting voted to allow owners to park on common property and gave them allocated spaces. Do these owners have exclusive use rights of the common property? Answer: As no by-law was created, no exclusive use was validly created. This is a complex legal question, however,…
Question: Our bathroom’s waterproofing membrane has failed and is causing damage to the lot below. Should the Owners Corporation be responsible for all repairs, as these are only needed due to common property defects? Answer: There is a very similar 1999 strata titles case. There is a 1999 case where water had leaked into…
Question: My husband and I jointly own the only commercial lot in a residential building. He is disabled and from time to time parks in the disabled car park. We do not reside here as it is an office. Can we use the space? Answer: Disabled car spaces are intended for use for disabled visitors….
Question: Are children excluded or exempted from breaching any provisions in the Strata Schemes Management legislation or any By-Law Clauses of the Strata Plan? Answer: Occupiers of the lot are responsible to ensure no noise may interfere with someone else’s use of their lot or common property. In our view it is not that they…
Question: A Lot Owner uses their garage for storage and parks their car on the street. The garage is below my apartment and they are constantly removing items and opening and closing the door. Is this nuisance? Answer: Check your by-laws to determine if you have a “Storage” By-law which basically states that only motor…
Question: My application to park a Wheelie Walker in the foyer of our apartment block has been refused on the grounds that storage of the mobility scooter will be a safety hazard. Answer: Your mobility scooter may indeed constitute a fire hazard and possibly a trip hazard. Unfortunately, it appears that your walker may…
Question: We have a non resident who irregularly uses visitor parking while he commutes. He has no connection with our scheme. Are we able to tow his car and is it the best option? Answer: As the vehicle is only parked one day at a time you will not satisfy the notice requirements needed…
Question: During the strata dispute resolution process, if an Owners Corporation breaches court orders, what recourse does the owner have? Answer: The failure by the owners corporation to comply with the NCAT Orders could be the basis upon which to seek the compulsory appointment of a strata manager. The failure by the owners corporation…
Question: We have a general By-law stating residents must not park on common property without written approval. Is this sufficient or should we specifically refer to visitor parking spaces? Answer: A very specific visitor parking by-law should be drafted by a strata lawyer. Technically, this by-law is adequate because visitor car parking is common property. However,…
Centreline Rule Question: I have been reading up on your weekly posts regarding the ‘Centreline Rule’ for Strata Plans registered before 1974. I read that Bannermans Lawyers response was that the boundary between lots applies to walls, floors and ceilings etc. Do you agree? What’s your opinion, does it applies to floors? Answer: Great to hear…
Question: I was fined for not parking in a visitor parking space at my girlfriend’s apartment. They are pursuing her for the money. Is this parking fine from the owners corporation valid? Answer: Only NCAT has jurisdiction to issue “fines” or “penalties” in this context. Therefore, it is highly unlikely this fine could be enforced. Only…
Question: We have discussed putting up some foyer Christmas decorations. Some residents have voiced their concerns about strata funds paying for the cost of acquiring the seasonal decorations. Our strata has an uninteresting entry foyer that would benefit from some visual enhancement. Hanging some artwork on the blank walls would make both residents and…
Question: Due to a common property defect, my tiles were damaged in an area on my verandah. As the tiles could not be matched, the whole space must be retiled. Should the OC pay for all work? Answer: There is a strata titles case very similar to yours. There is a strata titles case…
Question: We have recently renovated our kitchen without approval from the Owners Corporation. Will have to return the kitchen to the original condition or be fined? Answer: Transparency and pro-activeness is usually the best approach when something like renovations without approval occurs. Kitchen renovations (with works involving waterproofing) are “minor renovations” under the new…
Question: For some reason, I have a key to the communal Fuse Box in our apartment building and I have been providing access for tenants who trip their fuse. I’m just trying to help. Why is this a problem? Answer: Fortunately, the strata manager has issued a notice to comply with the peaceful enjoyment…
Question: Can I have a political sign displayed on my apartment? I own the apartment. Does this rule also apply for ‘For Sale’ signs on apartments? Answer: Some buildings have specific signage by-laws prohibiting any signage whatsoever, with an approval process even in case of real estate ‘For Sale’ signage. Yes, buildings can restrict…