Internal dividing fences in strata: Did the 2020 amendments change maintenance responsibility?

By admin,

Have amendments to the Strata Titles Act 1985, introduced in May 2020, changed the liability for upkeep and maintenance for internal fences within a Strata Scheme? Are internal fences now solely Strata's responsibility? I thought that previous to May 2020, if an internal dividing fence repair or replacement was required between lot owners or a lot owner and the common property, the cost was to be shared equally between both parties.

Strata leak from above: How to gain access when a lot owner refuses entry

By admin,

The laundry tub waste pipe from the unit above mine is leaking into my bathroom ceiling, causing issues with mould and peeling paint. I have two plumbing reports from two different licensed plumbers stating that they need access to the unit above but the above lot owner will not allow this. Strata have sent the owner an email but there has been no response to date.

Strata door frame repairs: How to determine who is responsible before approving costs

By admin,

I have newly been elected to the owners council in WA and I'm receiving pressure from our strata manager to approve funds for repairs of a doorframe to the chairperson's unit. The strata manager is unwilling to confirm if this repair is our responsibility, only that it is considered 'general wear and tear' and is not covered by our insurance.

I have reviewed our bylaws and the Act, but neither have provided any clarity. I do not feel comfortable approving without knowing. What should I do?

Strata antennas and air conditioning units: Who is responsible for maintenance and storm damage?

By admin,

Does my antenna and the exterior part of my air conditioning unit belong to strata? Who is responsible for the maintenance of these items? These two items were damaged in a storm, but my strata manager thinks it's my responsibility to repair.

Wall-mounted dryer falls in apartment: Who is responsible for the damage?

By admin,

I purchased a new unit 5 years ago. It was fitted with a wall mounted clothes dryer as a part of the construction.

The clothes dryer has fallen off the wall damaging the wall and the clothes dryer and a washing machine (my own) situated below the clothes dryer.

Who is responsible for the repairs?

Repainting private lot fascias and gutters: Can strata require owners to prepare their property?

By admin,

Our strata is organising to repaint gutters and wood trims/fascias for our brick units. The units are all on 'private' property, not common property.

Can Strata demand owners carry out maintenance on these areas prior to painting? This maintenance is all on the privately owned units on private property. The items demanded to be 'maintained' do not endanger neighbours or common property.

Water pipe leaks in strata: Who is responsible for repairs after the meter?

By admin,

I live in a single-tier complex of six units. Each unit has its own connection to water, gas and electricity.

After abnormally high water usage, I informed our strata manager about a possible leak. They stated that, because the leak was after the meter and was in pipes servicing only my lot, it was my problem. It was my responsibility to investigate and repair the leak. If the fault was beneath common or even other owners' property, I had the right to dig up the area to fix the leak providing I replaced anything I disturbed.

Strata letterbox break-ins: Who is responsible for improving security?

By admin,

Our letterboxes are located outside the front entrance of our building and are constantly broken into. Do WA strata laws and/or Australia Post allow letterboxes to be placed behind the security gate? If not, are lot owners responsible for the security of their box, or should strata pay to increase the security by providing better locks? Are there any other solutions.

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