Can the body corporate refuse a renovation that removes load-bearing walls?
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An owner of a two-bedroom, two-and-a-half-bathroom unit with a large private rooftop wants to convert it into four bedrooms and four bathrooms, including removing and replacing load-bearing walls. Our building has a precedent of refusing changes to load-bearing walls, but the owner says we're being unreasonable.
The body corporate is also concerned about more people living in the unit, as we share water in the building, and about potential parking issues. What are our rights?
Can our committee sign a contract beyond what the AGM approved?
At our AGM, a motion was passed to accept a quote to paint specific units in our complex.
Can the committee lawfully enter into an agreement or contract that goes beyond the approved scope of work and quote, and also exceeds the committee spending limit?
We sent a Form 12 to the body corporate manager requesting a copy of the contract, but they advised there was no record of it. We then sent a Form 12 to the committee secretary, without success.
What could the consequences be?
How do committee members access Strata Hub training?
Our strata managing agent hasn't listed our strata committee members on Strata Hub or updated our property details since 2024. How will committee members and other owners access the training? Will everyone need to register for their own Strata Hub account?
Can we refuse an owner’s claim after they ignored a flood?
A few years ago, a water heater failed and flooded a lot in our building. We believe the owner did nothing to limit the water damage, such as hiring industrial heaters to dry the place out.
Recently, the owner started having problems with floorboards coming loose and cracking. The strata committee decided to remove and re-level the magnesite, which revealed severe damage to the slab underneath, including spalling and corroded reinforcement. As the slab is common property, the strata committee organised the repairs, which are now complete.
Who is liable when a dead tree on common property falls?
A tree on our common property was dead for more than three years. Owners requested the tree's removal a week ago, and since then it fell and damaged three cars.
What legal obligations does the owners corporation (OC) have when there's a dangerous, dead tree that needs removing? Are there regulations about how often trees must be inspected, and if so, within what timeframes? Are there obligations to inspect and remove large dead trees that pose a risk?
Can the owners corporation seal in mould instead of removing it?
The original waterproofing membrane in my ensuite has failed, and the owners corporation has accepted in writing that it's common property and their responsibility. When their plumber removed the shower linings, they found extensive mould in the wall cavity, including on the back of the wall shared with my main bathroom.