What owners can do when a committee relies on conflicted advice

By admin,

Our body corporate employs a contractor to obtain and manage quotes for repair works, charging an hourly rate. For a major project valued at over $400,000, this person recommended two quotes that appeared to come from the same address and showed other irregularities.

I raised these concerns with the contractor and the committee, but the committee supported the contractor’s recommendation. I’ve spoken with an experienced professional in the same field who believed the work could be completed for at least $50,000 less, but again, the committee dismissed my suggestion.

How owners can approve minor changes to common property that only affect them

By admin,

Our strata complex has 19 units across several buildings. My unit is one of five accessed via a shared entrance door that no other residents use. This door previously had a hook so it could be latched open during the day, improving ventilation and access for residents with prams. About a month ago, the committee removed the door hook, stating that it was in the best interests of all owners for security and insurance compliance.

Benfits of a welcome to committee pack for new committee members

By admin,

Following an AGM and the formation of a new committee, what advice can help set a positive and effective tone from the outset? Do strata managers usually provide new committees with guidance on working together early on, or is this usually addressed later, once conflicts or issues begin to arise?

Is unregistered exclusive use of common property valid in NSW?

By admin,

I own a unit in a self-managed group of 3 in a regional area of NSW. The strata scheme is using the model by-laws. However, the other 2 unit owners say the previous owner of my unit agreed that they could each have parts of the common property for their exclusive use.

If this exclusive use of common property has not been registered for over a year, is it valid? No money has been paid to the Owners Corporation.

Can an owners corporation revoke approval for changes to a common property garden?

By admin,

Last year, an owner in our 17 villa complex requested approval to change a common garden bed outside their villa. The owners corporation approved the renewal of plants and mulch in the garden.

A few months later, despite not having approval for further work, the owner ordered besser blocks to build a small retaining wall and pavers to place in front of their lot.

The owners corporation refused to approve the use of these materials and has suggested an alternative material that is in keeping with the appearance of the common property.

Who is in breach when shared common property is used for storage or plants?

By admin,

We have a back patio as a shared common area. My neighbour has pot plants of all shapes and sizes hanging and filling the patio. We have recently purchased a small piece of gym equipment (approx. 45cm w x 80cm h - gymnastic bar), which fits perfectly in our corner of the shared patio. It has no impact on the health of the plants.

We continually receive letters of complaint under our door about our abuse of strata living.

Are we doing anything wrong by leaving this unobtrusive small bar outside?

Why must owners pay to remove planter boxes in exclusive use courtyards?

By admin,

I have a residential strata ground floor lot. Our strata manager has advised us to remove a planter box in our exclusive use courtyard, at our expense. The planter box is causing water damage to the undercroft car park area.

I thought my courtyard was part of the common property. The planter box was erected years ago by a previous owner. Why is the removal of the planter box our cost?

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