Should a strata company pay for unapproved common property repairs?

By admin,

Our strata complex has a priority list to repair and maintain the common property. We organise repair quotes, and the council of owners picks a suitable contractor to complete the work.

One of the council of owners members decided to hire a contractor to do work, and they are asking the strata company to pay a portion of the invoice.

Can the chair refuse by-law required maintenance without council approval?

By admin,

Our by-laws require annual cleaning of the building's common area windows. A member of our council of owners requested that the chair hire a window cleaner using the cleaning budget. The chair refused. Does the chair have authority to deny required maintenance without confirming approval from council members?

Can a council member take alternative quotes to all owners if they disagree with the majority?

By admin,

I am a member of a three-person council of owners (CoO) for a 14-unit strata scheme. We recently sought gutter cleaning quotes, some through our strata management and some through me as a CoO member. The quotes provided by the strata manager do not represent the best value. The other two CoO members are happy to proceed with the strata manager's quote, which is almost $150 more than the quote I obtained.

Should council decisions to change car park signage be recorded in meeting minutes?

By admin,

Our council of owners decided to replace signage in our common property car parks. The new wording differs from the agreed house rules. There was no AGM authorising this change. Should this change be recorded in the council of owners' meeting minutes?

The replaced signs were in good order. The new signs omit the words "Residents Parking", which is permitted by the approved house rules.

Can the council of owners install a tap on a lot without approval?

By admin,

I'm a lot owner in a strata scheme in WA. Recently, while having a coffee with several lot owners, the subject of installing a new tap in a common property garden for residents to water their section of the garden came up. A week later, without consulting the owners, the council of owners decided to go ahead with the installation.

The plumber installed the tap on my property. The strata manager apologised for not informing me but said the council of owners isn't required to consult with all lot owners. Is this correct?

What happens if all strata office bearers resign and no one replaces them?

By admin,

What is the procedure when the Secretary/Treasurer and Chairperson are about to resign and no others want to replace their role due to current conflict between owners/other committee members? What happens as to arranging upcoming AGMs etc?

Resigning as strata secretary or treasurer: What happens if no one replaces you?

By admin,

I am both Secretary and Treasure in our block of 4 units. Due to ongoing conflicts with a difficult owner, can I resign from my positions effective immediately?

There are adult children who live with their lot owner parents in our complex. Can these children be voted onto the committee? What happens if no one wants to take my positions?