Question: Can the strata committee lock common doors without a formal resolution or proper notice to residents?
Our strata scheme locked common doors that have never been locked before. The only communication we got was that we needed to collect keys.
The lack of notice has created real problems. Delivery drivers can’t get in, so parcels are redirected to the post office, and we have to take time off work to collect them. Posties don’t always leave cards, so we don’t always know something is waiting. The strata committee expects us to be home for all deliveries.
Utilities can’t access the meter room either, as it’s also now locked with only a few people holding a key, so we’re expected to be home for meter readings too. When we raised this, the strata managing agent said it’s not their legal obligation to provide a delivery solution, even though they’ve taken away our ability to receive them easily.
Answer: Locking previously unlocked common doors is a change to common property and requires a special resolution passed at a general meeting of the owners corporation.
An owners corporation can introduce additional security measures, such as locking common doors, if the intention is to improve safety and protect residents and property.
However, doing so is not simply an operational decision. Locking previously unlocked common doors is considered an addition or alteration to common property. As such, the owners corporation should have formally approved this change by passing a special resolution at a general meeting.
In addition, access must not be unreasonably restricted. All owners and occupiers should be provided with appropriate keys, fobs, or access devices to allow entry to all areas of common property that are not formally restricted. If certain areas are to be restricted, this should be supported by a valid resolution.
While the intention to improve security is likely reasonable, the process should be comprehensive and not limited to simply communicating the change. It should include consultation with the owners and discussion at a general meeting.
Restricted access to essential areas such as meter rooms and disruption to deliveries raise practical concerns that the committee should consider before implementing any changes to common property access.
Changes to access arrangements can have a significant impact on day-to-day living. While security is important, it must be balanced with reasonable access, convenience, and the building’s practical functioning. Understanding that improvements to common property require both proper approval and practical implementation helps ensure decisions are fair, transparent, and workable.
If your strata scheme has introduced access changes without clear communication or planning, there are several steps you can take:
- Request clarification from the strata managing agent or strata committee. Ask on what authority the decision was made and whether a special resolution was passed.
- Raise the operational issues formally. This includes delivery access, meter readings, and any limitations on movement within the building. These are reasonable concerns that should be addressed.
- Ensure access is properly provided. All residents and occupiers should have appropriate access devices. No one should be effectively locked out of common property.
- Consider practical solutions. This may include installing intercom systems, delivery zones, secure parcel lockers, or providing controlled access for service providers.
- Request better communication going forward. Any changes affecting access or daily living should be clearly communicated in advance. Owners should be consulted and given an opportunity to provide feedback, including discussions at a general meeting of the owners corporation.
A well-managed strata scheme balances security with usability. Improvements to common property should not come at the expense of residents’ ability to live, receive services, and access their building without unnecessary disruption.
This post appears in Strata News #788.
Leanne Habib
Premium Strata
E: info@premiumstrata.com.au
P: 02 9281 6440
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