Possum droppings are fouling a townhouse courtyard every day. Is the owners corporation responsible for removing the possums?
Our small townhouse is connected to the townhouses on either side, and our rear courtyard garden is fenced off next to large, established trees on the estate.
For the past five years I've seen possums on our second-floor window ledge and in the tall trees nearby. Lately they seem to have multiplied. Possum droppings and urine now cover our courtyard decking every day, and there's a strong, offensive smell, even though I sweep and hose the deck daily. I've since read that possum droppings can carry leptospirosis, which can create health issues for people and pets.
Is the owners corporation responsible for arranging possum removal? I've also read they can only be moved 50 metres, which means they'd still live on the estate, so I'm not sure how that works given the health risk.
If the possums come from trees on common property, or the issue is widespread throughout the complex, the owners corporation would typically deal with it.
This is a bit of a hard question to answer because I don't know where the possums are from (e.g. common property or private property).
Generally, if the possums are originating from trees that are located on common property, the owners corporation would consider addressing the issue. If the issue is widespread throughout the complex, the owners corporation would typically deal with it.
However, if it's an isolated issue experienced by only one townhouse, I would consider this a private issue and the appropriate action taken by that lot owner.
It is difficult with wildlife, as it's often not as simple as identifying the source and rectifying the issue. You simply can't breach an animal or call a dispute resolution meeting to discuss their behaviour, so often a practical approach is best as opposed to applying a legislated process.
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Joel is the Director of Strata Operations at Horizon Strata, based in Melbourne. His focus on building strong client relationships and transparent business operation has provided success over a number of years. Operating as an Owners Corporation Manager for the last 7 years, he has managed a vast range of properties, from small townhouse subdivisions to large high-rise buildings in the CBD and surrounding areas. More recently, Joel completed 2 years management of a 12,000-lot business for one of Australia’s largest Strata Management companies. His experience includes management of large land estates in Melbourne, including a pool and gym facility that services over 1000 apartments. Joel has also assisted on a number of new buildings for developers through to completion and recently completed a term as an Administrator appointed by VCAT. Joel is a regular contributor to LookUpStrata.
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