Can a sole committee member claim costs for maintaining common property when other owners are non-resident and unengaged?
My wife and I are the only resident owners in our small strata scheme. The other villas are occupied by renters. I am the secretary of the committee, but none of the other owners are interested in participating.
The common property includes fences, the driveway, and small garden areas in front of each villa. One of the renters is not maintaining their section of the common property, and it is downgrading the appearance of the scheme.
The strata manager has been notified and has contacted the rental agent, but nothing has changed. If we maintain that area ourselves, can we submit a claim for the work? Also, is it acceptable for me to act as a one-person committee?
If the garden is common property, the owners corporation is responsible for its maintenance unless a by-law says otherwise.
Technically, if the garden area is common property, in the absence of a by-law transferring responsibility for it or an exclusive use by-law, the garden area is the responsibility of the owners corporation. As this is an owners corporation expense, it will be shared by all the lot owners in proportion to their unit entitlements.
If you are proposing to carry out the garden works, this needs to be approved by the owners corporation at a general meeting, as you would be conflicted to decide on this as a member of the strata committee. The owners corporation will require you to have adequate insurance coverage in place.
Log in to your existing Lookupstrata Account to download the printable file.
Leanne is leading the conversation in strata and community management across Australia. With a distinguished career spanning over 25 years and holding credentials as a licensed Strata and Community Manager and Real Estate Managing Agent, Leanne has masterfully redefined the essence of premium strata service. Her approach, honed through years in senior roles within top-tier agencies, is unwaveringly client-focused, ensuring that expectations are not only met but consistently exceeded.
As a pivotal member of the Strata Community Association (SCA) and the CEO of the award-winning Premium Strata, Leanne, together with her team of seasoned strata managers, embodies a commitment to unparalleled service excellence. Beyond steering Premium Strata and Premium Building Management, her influence extends across the property industry as a leading voice. Leanne's insights on legislative updates and industry shifts are invaluable, offering guidance to lot owners on intricate strata matters and fostering effective and informed strata management practices.
Leanne is a regular contributor to Lookupstrata.
Lookupstrata Directory
Looking for NSW Strata Specialist in your area? Search within our LookUpStrata Directory for the best list of contacts available
Search the directory
Comments
Log in to leave a comment