Question: Am I allowed to put in fly screens to stop bugs entering my unit? I also have a black greasy substance entering my unit through my balcony doors and my windows. This seems to be coming from the exhaust fans of the many restaurants that are only metres away from my unit.
Answer: Check the by-laws for your scheme to see if they regulate the installation of fly screens.
You should check the by-laws for your scheme to see if they regulate the installation of fly screens.
If you don’t have a copy of the by-laws then you can ask your body corporate manager for one or you may be able to access them online if your scheme has information stored on a portal. You can also ask the manager to confirm the regulations at your site and whether you are allowed to proceed with the installation without approval from the Body Corporate or if you need to make an application.
More generally, the standard schedule 4 by-laws have a clause that allows owners to install screens and security devices to prevent the entry of animals. This states:
5 Damage to common property
- An occupier of a lot must not, without the body corporate’s written approval, mark, paint, drive nails, screws or other objects into, or otherwise damage or deface a structure that forms part of the common property.
- However, an occupier may install a locking or safety device to protect the lot against intruders, or a screen to prevent entry of animals or insects, if the device or screen is soundly built and is consistent with the colour, style and materials of the building.
- The owner of a lot must keep a device installed under subsection (2) in good order and repair.
Even if your scheme does not have this specific law, most by-laws have a version similar to this. There may be some variations around the colour of the screens permitted to ensure they are in keeping with the appearance of the complex or the level of approval.
This post appears in Strata News #580.
William Marquand
Tower Body Corporate
E: willmarquand@towerbodycorporate.com.au
P: 07 5609 4924
What about a screen door on a fire door or opening onto landing
Generally, you can’t cover a fire door with a screen. They are an essential part of the building’s passive fire systems and shouldn’t be obstructed.
If you want to do this you should contact the body corporate with the request and check with the building’s fire contractors. If you get an OK from both then you can proceed. If you just install the screen without permission don’t be surprised if you receive an order to remove it.
See the below factsheet from the QFS re Fire Doors:
https://www.fire.qld.gov.au/sites/default/files/2024-07/BFS-IS-FireDoors.pdf