How should a body corporate manage unapproved improvements on common property?

By admin,

The prior owner installed an air conditioner servicing only my lot on a common property wall. The Body Corporate committee minutes do not have any record of approval for this installation. There was no mention in the sales contract of the improvement/installation or that I was responsible for rectifying any issue associated with this modification.

What can an owner do if a body corporate delays structural defect repairs?

By admin,

Our Queensland body corporate building has serious structural issues that an engineer has inspected and verified. For more than two years, I have been on the committee and have pushed for the body corporate to address these issues, but the committee keeps deferring action. The problem continues to worsen, and the expected rectification cost keeps increasing.

What can a committee do if an owner installs a ceiling fan without approval?

By admin,

A lot owner has created a manhole and installed a ceiling fan without body corporate approval.

Our by-laws state "No structural alterations shall be made to any lot (including any alteration to gas, water or electrical installations) without the prior written consent of the Committee".

This may have been intentional ignorance, however, the concern is whether or not the work has been carried out by a qualified person.

Where does the committee stand? Can the committee ask for the details of the work and the name of the electrician and the tradesman?

Can body corporate approval expire for a sunshade installation?

By admin,

In 2017 we received approval from our body corporate for a sunshade over our driveway. We installed a design sympathetic to the colours and aesthetic of our home and according to the covenants.

The sunshade was damaged recently in a big storm. Our body corporate is refusing to allow us to replace the item. We've invested money and gone through the right channels, but we've been told our approval has expired. Can our body corporate restrict us from putting the shade up again?

Do you have to wait for an agm to get body corporate approval for work?

By admin,

I'd like to request approval from the body corporate to change a balcony wall in my apartment. Do I have to wait for the AGM or can this request be submitted at any time?

If the cost of the work is less than $3000, can approval be given via a flying minute? I've arrived at an amount of $3000 for the work as family members will be carrying out part of the work at no cost.

Can a committee order an owner to restore the appearance of their lot?

By admin,

I know there is a process for enforcing by-laws but what can a committee do to order an owner to restore the appearance of his lot to match other lots?

Can the committee approve a motion at the committee meeting to make this order? So far, no notice has been issued to the offending lot owner.

Are class 2 buildings in Queensland required to install 4-star energy efficient air conditioners?

By admin,

Was any change made to legislation in 2009 regarding minimum energy efficient rating for air conditioning units in class 2 (apartment) buildings? I was under the impression that air conditioning units now need to be a minimum of 4-star energy efficient rating.

One of our owners is looking to install a unit with only a 3.5-star rating. Should the Committee approve this installation?

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