Can a strata manager force replacement of a working hot water system based on a plumbing audit?

By admin,

Our Strata Manager appointed a plumber to do a plumbing audit for all the apartments in our building. The report stated that, in the opinion of the plumber, the electrical hot water system should be replaced as systems older than 12 years are prone to splitting. The building is 15 years old.

The Strata Manager has demanded we replace our hot water system within 30 days. There is nothing wrong with the hot water system. Are we obligated to replace the system because the Strata Manager has demanded? Does the Strata Manager have the power to demand this?

Resident's rights to have pets in strata

By admin,

We are in the market for a strata unit or townhouse. We have a dog. Open houses mention the same vague "pets by negation or review". Do we need strata management approval before purchasing the property? What is the obligation for strata management to get back within a reasonable time frame, say seven days?

Can the body corporate test noise levels in my unit?

By admin,

Day and night throughout my ground floor unit, I hear residents in the central fire exit staircase and people talking. The metal door that provides access to the fire stairs has no release or padding to reduce the bang. The bangs in the middle of the night often wake me.

I have requested that the body corporate put a stopper on the metal door, but as I'm the only one affected, they haven't done anything. In addition, the upstairs unit has tiled floors, and I can hear a child running, chair scrapes, etc. What can I do?

Owners Corporation Meeting Minutes - How much detail should go in?

By admin,

Our strata managing agent has sent us minutes of our recent AGM. All five committee members agree that the minutes are not accurate. We'd prefer not to wait until the next AGM to dispute the current AGM minutes. Are there any other options that would resolve this promptly?

Smoke alarms in strata units

By admin,

Our annual fire inspection was carried out today. The smoke alarms in two lots need replacing. The secretary authorised the work to be carried out without consulting the committee members or lot owners. The secretary instructed the committee and strata manager via email that the replacement cost of the smoke alarms is payable by the lot owners (approx $420 each) and not the owners corporation "because all smoke detectors in the building in common hallways and units have to be checked and within date before the AFSS statement can be issued".

Noise complaints to strata

By admin,

My neighbour has a water fountain in her yard next to my patio. The fountain runs 24/7. Although I have asked her to move the fountain and even offered to assist with the relocation, she refuses. Our strata manager has contacted the lot owner who claims her doctor said the sound of the fountain would be relaxing for her.

It is like listening to someone urinating into a toilet bowl 24/7. Strata management is unable to offer any other solution, feeling they have hit a wall with this owner. I am aware of NCAT but I'm unsure if the noise level is what EPA would deem excessive.

Whose insurance covers damage from a leak?

By admin,

Our insurer accepted our claim for repair of our leaking shower in our lot. A licensed company did the waterproof seal, and the insurer approved the method of shower repair. When the claim was completed, a different consultant notified us that the insurer would not accept any future claims if the shower leaked again. Is this legal and usual?

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