NSW: Q&A Where are my common property boundaries?

  Question: Who is responsible for the maintenance and repair of outdoor lights on each of the townhouse walls in both front and back yard? These external lights were installed when the townhouses were originally built. Answer: The exterior lights would likely be your responsibility. While we have not seen your by-laws or notations on…

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NSW: Q&A Carrying out External Paint Work

  Question: At no cost to the owners corporation, we’d like to paint an unpainted common area exterior wall. How can we get this action sanctioned and take advantage of this improvement? It has been suggested that we have some unsightly unpainted interior walls in our complex spruced up with a coat of paint. Currently,…

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NSW Q&A: Noisy Neighbour, Renovations and Construction Noise

Question: Is there a requirement to notify residents of the commencement date of noisy renovation/repairs to the apartments and common areas? Is there a requirement to notify residents/lot owners of the commencement date of noisy renovation/repairs to the apartments and common areas? Recently we had a neighbour jackhammering with less than a 12-hour notice, and…

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NSW: Q&A Strata approval for renovations – What is the process and how do we start?

Question: I’m concerned about the correct process of strata approval for renovations in our scheme. Renovations involving waterproofing isn’t being considered a major work under the new legislation, and therefore not being considered by the Owners Corporation as a special resolution. I’m a member of a Strata Committee in an apartment complex which was registered…

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NSW: Q&A Who Do I Contact for Repairs to Common Property?

  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…

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NSW: Q&A Does Strata Maintain My Air Conditioning Unit?

  Question: Our air conditioner was installed incorrectly by the builder 5 years ago. Is the repair of the resulting leak part of the strata maintenance responsibilities? Answer: As it is likely not common property, you would need to repair it. Generally speaking and without knowing where the external unit is located, an air-conditioning unit…

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NSW: Q&A How Does the Committee Organise a Leaky Roof Repair?

  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…

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Ask Premium Strata: Faulty Waterproofing

Faulty Waterproofing I live in a unit complex in Sydney and there are 76 units. My strata contracted (& paid for) a company to come fix my faulty waterproofing on my balcony. In order to access the faulty waterproofing, the company had to remove/lift the wooden deck on the balcony. During the process of repairing the faulty…

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