• Read more about What can a committee do if an owner installs a ceiling fan without approval?
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A lot owner has created a manhole and installed a ceiling fan without body corporate approval.

Our by-laws state "No structural alterations shall be made to any lot (including any alteration to gas, water or electrical installations) without the prior written consent of the Committee".

This may have been intentional ignorance, however, the concern is whether or not the work has been carried out by a qualified person.

Where does the committee stand? Can the committee ask for the details of the work and the name of the electrician and the tradesman?

• Read more about Can body corporate approval expire for a sunshade installation?
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In 2017 we received approval from our body corporate for a sunshade over our driveway. We installed a design sympathetic to the colours and aesthetic of our home and according to the covenants.

The sunshade was damaged recently in a big storm. Our body corporate is refusing to allow us to replace the item. We've invested money and gone through the right channels, but we've been told our approval has expired. Can our body corporate restrict us from putting the shade up again?

• Read more about Do you need body corporate approval to replace a balcony light with a fan?
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• Read more about Do you have to wait for an agm to get body corporate approval for work?
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I'd like to request approval from the body corporate to change a balcony wall in my apartment. Do I have to wait for the AGM or can this request be submitted at any time?

If the cost of the work is less than $3000, can approval be given via a flying minute? I've arrived at an amount of $3000 for the work as family members will be carrying out part of the work at no cost.

• Read more about Can a committee order an owner to restore the appearance of their lot?
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I know there is a process for enforcing by-laws but what can a committee do to order an owner to restore the appearance of his lot to match other lots?

Can the committee approve a motion at the committee meeting to make this order? So far, no notice has been issued to the offending lot owner.

• Read more about Are class 2 buildings in Queensland required to install 4-star energy efficient air conditioners?
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Was any change made to legislation in 2009 regarding minimum energy efficient rating for air conditioning units in class 2 (apartment) buildings? I was under the impression that air conditioning units now need to be a minimum of 4-star energy efficient rating.

One of our owners is looking to install a unit with only a 3.5-star rating. Should the Committee approve this installation?

• Read more about Can i install fly screens in my apartment? Check your strata by-laws first
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• Read more about Can body corporate committee members accept gifts for approving management rights assignments?
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• Read more about For an urgent strata council meeting, how can decisions be made without quorum?
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I have given our council members the required seven days’ notice of a council meeting. This is an urgent meeting, and it may be some time before I can arrange another meeting, but we need to make decisions.

If other council members cannot attend and have not provided a proxy, can I still hold the meeting and make decisions, and what process do I need to follow?

• Read more about What can owners do if a chair blocks an insurance claim after storm damage?
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I am in northern NSW. Tropical Cyclone Alfred made landfall on 8 March and was legally downgraded to a storm for insurance purposes. On 10 March, my lot required emergency electrical repairs, and my fence was blown over. Other fences were also damaged, and there was additional damage across the scheme. My electrical repairs and fence replacement total almost $3,000.