Disputed leak responsibility in strata when owners’ investigations show no fault but body corporate insists otherwise

By admin,

My wife and I are being hounded persistently by our body corp.

We were informed that a leak from a very old reticulation point in front of our two units is our responsibility. The reticulation was installed many years before we owned the lots.

Is the body corporate liable for concrete cancer repairs hidden by a previous owner and discovered after sale

By admin,

Our apartment block is approximately 50 metres from the ocean. A lot owner in our complex found concrete cancer years ago in their top-floor apartment and didn't report the issue to the strata or repair the damage.

The owners concealed the concrete cancer by relaying new tiles over the whole area. Now, years later, the lot has been purchased by an investment company and the concrete cancer has been discovered.

How to force body corporate action on ongoing roof leaks and whether insurance can cover the damage

By admin,

My townhouse roof has had a leaking issue for 7 months. The body corporate said it’s the body corporate's responsibility to fix the leaking roof and they will be address the issue, however, the issue keeps rolling from one committee meeting to another and the defect still has not been addressed.

Can I submit a claim on the body corporate insurance? Will this be a simple or lengthy process?

Do non-compliant windows without flashing need upgrading if there are no water leaks in a townhouse complex

By admin,

We live in a complex of 4 townhouses, built in 2003. As the building code has changed over time, our windows no longer comply. There is no flashings on the windows and a few of the units have experienced rainwater coming inside. Is it a requirement that all windows have to be brought up to new code compliance?

Leaking windows in a strata without a functioning committee who is responsible and how can repairs be approved

By admin,

During heavy rain, our sunroom windows leak. Overhanging 2 of the windows are bent, rusted and ineffective corrugated iron 'shutters'. I recently applied to the Body Corporate for permission to replace these with professionally installed 6cm drip guards that I would pay for myself. The application was not approved. Our Strata Manager stated that because our complex does not have a functioning Committee, all lot owners would have to agree. Two of the five lot owners did not respond at all, even with extra time given for deliberation.

Can a body corporate shift responsibility for leaking windows to lot owners despite ongoing defects and failed repairs

By admin,

Our building has identified building issues on our balconies. We are outside the contractor's warranty period.

Our Body Corporate has been aware of the issue for years and, rather than follow the scope of works provided to them, they opted for a cheaper patch job. They exceeded the approved spending amount and then, without approval, paid an additional $60k.

Who is responsible for fixing fire safety defects in a new building identified during early inspections?

By admin,

Our seven lot building was completed in mid 2021. We engaged a fire services company that carried out their 6 monthly inspection at the end of 2021. There were a number of non-critical and non-conformance defects identified and the yearly inspection in mid 2022 reaffirmed these defects, plus identified additional defects.

We are perplexed to receive a bill for $3,500 to remedy defects on a new build. Who is the overarching entity where we can check our rights concerning the items raised? The builder has stated these items are out of warranty and not their concern.

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