Question: The owners below me intend to renovate, including removing load-bearing walls. Who is responsible for paying for a dilapidation report?
I own a unit in a block of four. The owners below me intend to renovate, including removing load-bearing walls. The engineers have recommended a dilapidation report be prepared for my unit before the renovations begin.
- Who is responsible for paying for this report?
- If there is damage to my unit from their renovations, how would this be managed and funded?
Answer: The homeowner who is wishing to undertake the renovations is required to pay for the dilapidation report and to restore the damage to any common property.
The homeowner who is wishing to undertake the renovations is required to pay for this report and to restore the damage to any common property. This is ordinarily set out in the by-law which should be tabled at the annual general meeting or extraordinary general meeting. It appears that the by-law is likely to make provision for a dilapidation report, pre and post the works being undertaken.
A pre dilapidation report is ordinarily prepared and after the work is completed a post dilapidation report is prepared. This will determine whether any damage is caused.
The cost should not fall on you. Any damage which appears in the post dilapidation report should be borne by the owner undertaking the works.
This post appears in Strata News #502.
Pierrette Khoury Khoury Lawyers E: pierrette@khourylawyers.com.au P: 0415 459 486