NSW: Q&A Common Property Defects and Reimbursement for Repairs

 

Question: A builder has confirmed I have water between my tiles and the waterproofing layer in my bathroom. I have contacted strata. What do I do now?

I had noticed something wrong with the grout in my bathroom and my metal door frames are starting to get corrosion on them. I organised for a builder to check the problem and he stated I have water between the tiles and the waterproofing layer.

The builder is supplying me with a letter for our owners corporation. I have let our strata know of the problem but was wondering what is the next step should be? The building is not quite 2 years old.

Answer: You should keep reminding the strata manager of the need to investigate your water issue and keep records of same.

It is critical that the source of the water ingress be determined. You should liaise with the strata manager to obtain an expert report in relation thereto.

While you must not allow the leak to go unchecked, you should exercise caution before carrying out any works yourself so as not to potentially void or compromise the owners corporation’s insurances (eg in case the leak is a common property defect covered by relevant home building warranties).

You should keep reminding the strata manager of the need to investigate your water issue and keep records of same.

You have done the right thing to notify the strata manager who should now liaise with the strata committee for a determination as to the cause and attributing responsibility for the costs of rectification.

Should there be an undue delay in investigating your water issue, then you should consider escalating the matter.

For the full question and our detailed response, visit the original publication at Look Up Strata.

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Please note that this article is provided for information purposes only and is not a substitute for professional legal advice.