Strata key fob not working: Who pays for replacement and is it a defect?

Maintenance & Common Property

This article discusses strata key fob replacement responsibility and when an owner may need to pay for a new device.

My fob has stopped working. The Strata Company want me to pay for a new fob. Isn't this a defect?

My key fob has stopped working on the door from my car park to the apartment building. It works on the main entrance and lower level car park doors.

The strata company suggests it has lost its programming and wants me to pay for a new fob. As the Fob is not lost or damaged given it works on other doors why should I pay for a new fob? Isn't this a defect?

It would not be unreasonable for the Strata Company to suggest a new device is purchased

The coding / programming for different doors or gates may be different and it is possible that your remote is defective even if it still operates on other access points. It would not be unreasonable for the Strata Company to suggest a new device is purchased, especially if the device has been in use for some time. My experience is once a fob loses some or all of its programming then the most cost effective solution is usually replacement.

If however the device is relatively new it may still be under warranty. It is worth checking with the Strata Company or the Strata Company manager to see if there is any warranty on the device or its a programming issue.

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Published: 1 Apr 2026

Last Updated: 7 Jul 2026

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Answer by

Luke Downie

WA Strata Consultant

Most people find Strata to be a dry subject. Talk to Luke about Strata Legislation and you will soon see how enthused and excited he becomes about the topic. With over 20 years in the industry providing Strata Management and consultancy services. Luke owned and operated his own Strata Management business here in Perth for over 10 Years as well as being the state lecturer in Strata Management at Central Tafe at that time.

Educating people on Strata Title has been a passion of Luke’s delivering seminars on a regular basis for the last three years and now regular webinars since COVID-19.

In his spare time Luke’s passions are family, fishing, fine dining and football (West Coast Eagles). He also likes to volunteer assisting Perth’s homeless community.

Luke is a regular contributor to LookUpStrata.