Who is authorised to call an AGM if the secretary's role is vacant?

By admin,

Does an AGM need to be called by the committee secretary? If called by someone other than the secretary, does there need to be a motion authorising that to happen?

If no one is filling the position of secretary, but a committee member calls the meeting as secretary, would the AGM be invalid and need to be called again after a secretary is appointed?

Neighbour drilled into our strata balcony to install an awning: What can we do?

By admin,

Our downstairs neighbour got approval to set up an awning for her backyard. In her request she stated that drilling was 'probably not required', however, she then drilled into our balcony. She has attached two awnings to our balcony without any consent from or the owners corporation.

Is she allowed to do that? Our balcony is included in our allotment, but the owners corporation is responsible if there's any structural issue with our balcony. What course of action can we take? What if the awning attachment causes any future damage to our balcony?

Unapproved bathroom renovation causing damage: What if your neighbour refuses access?

By admin,

There has been a bylaw put in place that says the unit above me will pay for any damage caused by his unapproved bathroom renovation.

There has been a leak causing damp walls in my unit since before Christmas. After the plumber, hired by the Strata company, fixed a few problems he thought the problem was solved. Unfortunately, it wasn’t, and the owner has refused to allow entry to another plumber. The committee say they are talking to the owner about this.

What Options are available?

Strata renovations without approval: What if the committee takes no action?

By admin,

Our neighbour submitted major works at the 2019 AGM. This work was not approved. Regardless, they started working on the extensive renovations. A stop order was given in May 2020.

They have started work again, although I'm sure no approval has been given. They've built a toilet on their rooftop terrace and are intending to install a gas fireplace. I’ve provided evidence to the strata committee, but the committee has not taken any action. What else can I do?

Strata renovations without approval by a previous owner: Who pays for repairs?

By admin,

We are a small complex of 7 townhouses and villas. One of the previous owners conducted renovations without strata approval and now it appears this has resulted in structural damage to the lot. The subsequent owner (who has been in residence for approximately 2 years), has noticed these structural damages and has asked the OC to share the cost of fixing. It's not a small amount.

I was wondering where the liability and cost falls.

Unapproved bathroom renovations in strata: Who is liable for waterproofing failure?

By admin,

None of the bathroom renovations (including replacing waterproof membrane) prior to 2017 have a by-law nor were they approved at an AGM or EGM.

A lot owner bought a property with a bathroom renovated before the new 2017 major renovation bylaw. Is the Owner liable for damage to neighbouring lots or common property as a result of the waterproof membrane failing?

Can strata refuse renovation approval due to unpaid levies?

By admin,

A lot owner has not paid strata levies for years. They have requested approval to install timber flooring. The owners corporation refused the request for renovations, due to the lot owner’s unpaid levies.

The owner went ahead with the renovations regardless and installed the flooring. What can the owners corporation do?

Non-compliant flooring in a strata apartment: Who pays for replacement?

By admin,

My daughter recently bought an apartment with non compliant flooring. The owners corporation knew about the work but has done nothing to rectify the situation. She would like to replace the flooring so it complies. Who is responsible for the cost of work to replace the non compliant flooring?

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