Refusing the Request for Mobility Aids in Strata Property

By admin,

My wife has just had a double knee replacement. We are worried about how she will access our third-floor unit. There is no lift. We need to climb 45 stairs to get to our apartment. We are in our 60s and are considering installing a chair lift. Our strata manager has advised that approval to install a chair lift would require a special resolution.

We have obtained a chair lift quote and drawings. Before we pay for a by-law and more reports, can we put a motion on our upcoming AGM for agreement, in principle, from owners? Can we test the waters to see if we have enough Yes votes.

Do We Really Need Mechanical Breakdown Insurance?

By admin,

I own a townhouse in an owners corporation. When reading the building insurance policy, I note we have mechanical breakdown insurance.

Does this type of insurance cover the reverse cycle air conditioners in each of our townhouses?

My reverse cycle air conditioner recently broke down. It can't be repaired and needs replacing. A new air conditioner will cost $3k, including supply and installation. Would this be covered under the mechanical breakdown insurance if I agree to pay the excess?

Do outstanding amounts limit the ability to vote?

By admin,

I live in an apartment complex under a set of By-Laws and The Community Titles Act 1996 (SA).

If a member of the Body Corporate has a debt and/or owes money to the Corporation (for work done etc), is that person permitted to cast a vote including proxies at a properly convened meeting i.e. EGM or AGM whilst that debt is outstanding?

Your assistance with this issue will be greatly appreciated.

How do we Make a Complaint About a Strata Manager in South Australia?

By admin,

We are unhappy with the service provided by our current strata management company.

We are trying to convert to Community Title which has been delayed by 12 months. When have been told that the delay is due to the Strata Manager neglecting to submit a Lodgement Form. Can we as a corporation get compensated for the inept management?

We have also had 5 scheduled AGM’s which have all been cancelled by the Strata Manager. Can we get our management fees back?

Maintenance Planning and Strata Insurance

By admin,

Last year's accounts show numerous charges for repairs on individual lots, from blocked toilets to ceiling collapse repairs. These appear to be payments made to maintenance/repair companies for varying amounts from $200 to $3000+. Some smaller charges appear to be related to similar issue. Most, but not all costs are relate to commercial units. No one on the council of owners (COO) approved these payments.

Why would our strata manager not have:

Authorising Common Property Changes or Improvements

By admin,

Can a committee decide to remove shared facilities, such as a tap on common property, that residents occasionally use? For example, could the committee make this decision at the committee level to save water or reduce maintenance costs? Or would removing even a small shared facility be considered a restricted issue that requires approval at a general meeting?

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