Question: We are changing from a master key system to a fob system. Is the owners corporation obliged to replace keys 1 for 1 when they make a change?
Our strata committee is changing the main door and access to our building. We are moving from a master key system to an electronic fob system. This is a positive step as the door does need updating.
The previous keys were $50 a replacement key. Over the years, I’ve bought an additional three keys. The committee is refusing to either replace our master keys one for one or refund the money spent in the past on additional keys.
Is the owners corporation obliged to replace keys 1 for 1 when they make a change?
Answer: There does not appear to be a positive duty on the owners corporation to provide you with one new for each old key.
There does not appear to be a positive duty on the owners corporation to provide you with one new for each old key you have purchased or to refund previous moneys expended on additional keys, especially if the owners corporation has also passed a by-law dealing with security/keys/fobs etc and the costs therefor. The reasoning behind this is that often tenants move out and retain the common property keys for ongoing access to the garage for visitor parking etc long after they have moved out.
Overall, the owners corporation has the responsibility for the management of the scheme, control of the use of the common property of the strata scheme and the administration of the strata scheme. It appears that your owners corporation is acting consistently with its functions. For clarity, if the owners corporation has not already, it should pass a by-law dealing with the new procedure/cost for security keys.
Leanne Habib
Premium Strata
E: info@premiumstrata.com.au
P: 02 9281 6440
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