Question: An owner would like to block the ventilation system in our basement car park to protect their car from salt spray. How should the committee respond?
I am the chair/secretary of our body corporate committee. In our basement car park, we have six ventilation louvres. An owner’s car space is directly under one of the vents. They own a Tesla car and have asked if they can block off the vents.
The building is beachside, and salt air is a factor. Alternatively, the owner suggested placing a protective roof over the vehicle. We are concerned that both suggestions interfere with the design of the ventilation system. Is this correct?
Answer: Obstructing the ventilation system louvres will prevent the system from operating as per the design specifications.
Ventilation systems, whether mechanical or non-mechanical, are designed for safety in car parks, particularly to remove toxic fumes such as carbon monoxide. Obstructing the louvres will prevent the system from operating as per the design specifications. It is also in breach of Building and Fire Safety Regulations.
An alternative solution should be investigated, and approval sought from the body corporate. Simple solutions may include over-the-counter products applied to the vehicle surface and components.
This post appears in the July 2025 edition of The QLD Strata Magazine.
Dean Potgieter Seymour Consultants E: dean@seymourconsultants.com.au P: 07 5573 4011