Do I need a special resolution to install a glass sliding door facing my courtyard?

By admin,

I want to convert an existing window and doorway to a glass sliding door in a room at the rear of my unit. I have obtained quotes and specifications from qualified suppliers. The wall faces into my small courtyard which is enclosed by high fences on all three sides, hence the renovation will not be visible from within or from outside our strata scheme.

Can I repaint window trim in a duplex without strata approval?

By admin,

We are in a 2-lot strata scheme with the only common property being a driveway.

We have a clause that says the facade colours must remain consistent amongst both properties including fascia, guttering, window treatment etc. Our windows are currently cream and we would like to change them to black. This colour already exists on our roof and gutters.

Does this constitute a ‘consistent’ colour scheme, as no new colours are being introduced? Or would we still be required to pass a special resolution?

Can a strata manager require removal of vines that change a lot’s appearance?

By admin,

We have planted vines around our lot which have grown but are not covering any other lot.

Our Strata managers insist we are changing the appearance of our complex and are demanding their removal.

Since we are talking about a plant which is not impacting any structural characteristics of the building, must we remove them?

Who is responsible for maintaining exclusive use yard areas in a strata townhouse?

By admin,

A free standing townhouse has a fenced off yard that is for the exclusive use of the occupier. The space has not been maintained. Is this area the owners corporation's or Owner's responsibility? Can the owners corporation take action to compel the owner to allow them access and do the work at the owner's expense?

Do I need owners corporation approval to install plantation shutters?

By admin,

I own a unit on the ground floor of a strata property. When the property was built, the units had vertical blinds installed. We'd like to update the window coverings with plantation shutters.

We are concerned this will be against our common property regulations, as the blinds will change the external appearance of the complex. Do we need to ask for approval from our owners corporation?

Do I need a minor renovations form for balcony decorations like an ivy trellis?

By admin,

I want to cover our balcony with an artificial ivy trellis.

I have been given an application form for minor renovations to get approval from the owners corporation for the artificial trellis.

As I'm not doing any renovations, is this the correct form?

What can I do if strata refuses approval for cat netting on my balcony?

By admin,

We've requested approval to install a cat net over our covered balcony. The balcony faces into a common area courtyard and is set low so only about 7-8 other apartments in the complex look into this area.

Our request has been declined on the basis that there are no other cat nets in the building. No other reason for the refusal has been given.

Can an owners corporation refuse child safety netting on a balcony?

By admin,

Should our committee approval the installation of child safety netting on our balcony?

Our strata by-laws indicate that the OC cannot prevent us from the installation of safety screens, but when we asked our strata management we were denied carrying out the work because it doesn't fit the aesthetics of the building. We've been told the work can only proceed if approved by a special resolution at a general meeting and we have to pay for a lawyer to draw up and register a new by-law covering the maintenance of the common property. We've been told this can be very costly.

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