Our committee approved an owner to replace their lot's common property garage door and install an automated opener, all at the owner's own cost.
The committee's conditional approval stated: "Approval was granted conditional on the new garage door closely matching others so the external appearance would not be materially altered and the garage door remaining common property for which the owners corporation is responsible."
We own a unit in a run-down 12-lot building that needs a $220,000 roof replacement. The job will involve scaffolding and asbestos removal. Committee members are keen to include additional upgrades at the same time: balcony upgrades and painting the entire building. Both are needed, but they will add to the cost.
Our AGM passes a motion every year to set the strata committee at 5 members.
There are always more than 5 owners nominated.Our strata managing agent says the AGM has to be adjourned and a paper ballot mailed out to collect wet signatures whenever nominations exceed positions. This makes the extra nominees feel pressured and, frankly, seems to discourage anyone from putting their hand up. Why can't we hold committee elections in person?
Our experience dealing with what we can only politely describe as difficult service contractors mirrors the problems that have driven legislative change in NSW. We accept there are two sides to everything, but if NSW can make those changes, why can't QLD?
Management agreements seem weighted in favour of service contractors at renewal every five years. Can you offer any guidance on how a committee can plan to substantiate a non-renewal recommendation to owners?
Our AGM was held on Zoom. When I joined, I was told I was unfinancial. A week earlier, I made a typo when paying my levy, leaving a shortfall of around $200.
The chairperson, who was also the body corporate manager, said that if I paid "now" I would be financial. They directed someone in their office to send me the levy notice. It arrived within seconds.
Does a communications by-law apply to a committee member during the course of a committee meeting, specifically where defamatory comments are made about an owner?
Putting approval for renovations to one side, is it mandatory that owners notify the body corporate at the conclusion of their renovations? Are they required to provide information on the improvements made and the resulting costs, where that may affect insurance increases borne by the owner?
The majority of our committee members do not live in the scheme, and we don't have an on-site manager. We have some older maintenance issues that remain unresolved.
Can the committee approve one member to inspect the garden and report any issues back to the committee, then review that report at a committee meeting and decide on next steps, such as obtaining quotes? Are there other practical options for monitoring and managing common property in a scheme like ours?
Our building was built in the 196os. I have moisture ingress in my shower ceiling coming from the unit above. The problem was inspected, and retiling is needed. The owner believes it is common property and wants the strata company to pay.
While they argue over who is responsible, the water damage worsens. What can I do?
Our complex gardens run on an automated watering system. The committee decided to plant new shrubs and introduce pot plants in locations that have never had plants and are not connected to the watering system, all without consulting the building manager.