My unit's not up to fire safety regulations and standards
I have recently moved into a block of units in SA and have two Questions:
My building inspection revealed that a party wall is lacking in the ceiling space between my unit and the neighbouring unit. According to my building inspector, this is not up to current fire safety regulations and standards.
I asked this to be repaired and was essentially ‘fobbed off’ by the strata employee who simply said: "no buildings of this age are up to regulation standards". I was concerned about liability issues so I made direct inquiries with the Strata with insurance providers.
Does NSW Fire and Rescue regard electric vehicles as special hazards?
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NSW Fire and Rescue currently regards electric vehicles as “special hazards”. How did they reach this conclusion?
Is it compulsory to have a fire installation/certification performed after installing electrical vehicle charging hardware? The current national construction code in the 2025 draft does not mention electric vehicles as special hazards. However, fire sprinklers must be installed in a new building if there are over 40 vehicles present, regardless of their traction type.
Are fire protection window screens maintained by the owners corporation or lot owners?
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Our unit is located in a designated fire zone that requires special gauze screens on the windows. Are repairs to the windows and these screens the responsibility of the owners corporation, or should the lot owner bear the cost?
Aren't Resident Managers Bound to Disclose Commissions?
Our resident manager has been arranging services for residents (e.g., aircon servicing, pest control) without disclosing that they are receiving a commission from the suppliers.
Is it within the Code of Conduct for the Caretaker Manager to be accepting these commissions without disclosure?
This has made us wonder whether the resident managers have also been getting any kickbacks from suppliers for materials and services to the Body Corporate they are sourcing on our behalf.
Appearance of Lot. What constitutes a breach?
My mother's body corporate is trying to enforce a rule that all resident's outdoor patio furniture be the same colour, even if the furniture is not visible to other residents. Any residents with white, black or grey furniture are in breach. Is this legal or fair?
Applying for alterations – Approving use of common property
We are a complex of 17 class A units in the ACT. Our complex has a narrow passageway between our garbage room and a private courtyard. The walkway has access issues and poor lighting. The area cannot be used by removalists when residents move in and out, does not provide wheelchair access or fit a shopping trolley.
Bullying in Strata! Some Committees are Extremely Unreasonable
Our caretaking service contractor (CSC) in our 50+ complex has been performing their duties poorly for a few years. As the CSC is close to 80, they show signs of dementia. They forget things and angry easily if questioned. This results in poor compliance issues, contractors not wanting to work at our building, and angry discussions with owners if they want a new access card, etc. Basically, the caretaker has become a recalcitrant volcano who only does what they please.
Accessing Strata and Owners Corporation Information
I recently applied and paid for a strata search. Our strata records are kept electronically. The strata manager would only supply the strata roll records related to my unit, not the roll for the unit block. They said I only paid for a standard search and supplying all roll details would cost more. What information should I receive?