Question: My apartment is twice the size of the other units but has the same power supply. My power always trips. Who is liable for the cost to upgrade the power supply to my unit?
Over the summer, my power has tripped out when lots of appliances are used. My unit is currently being used for short term lets so guests often use many appliances all at once. My unit is over twice the size of all the other units in the building yet it has the same power supply as the other smaller units. My electrician says I need to upgrade the power supply to fix the issue as the current draw is more than the board is capable of.
The committee has given me permission, both verbally and in writing, to add multiple air conditioners and a hot tub which has probably contributed to the issue of these power shortages.
I have received quotes from my electrician to upgrade the cable and fuse to a higher capacity. Is the owners corporation liable for the cost of the upgrade?
Answer: The upgrade of the electrical supply to a unit is the individual owners cost and responsibility.
The upgrade of the electrical supply to a unit is the individual owners cost and responsibility.
The Owners Corporation are responsible to maintain common property and as such if there were an issue with the supply of electricity actually being received they would also be responsible for any common property works, but there is no requirement by the Owners Corporation to upgrade the electrical supply received.
For any works to common property I would always suggest that formal written and minuted approval be obtained and depending upon the scope of works a special by-law is potentially also going to be required.
This post appears in Strata News #541.
Robert Fothergill
Strata Life
E: Robert@thestratalife.com.au
P: 02 9456 9917
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