Question: Without approval, a lot owner installed a new air-conditioning unit and large PVC covered pipes on our wall. They’ve finally removed the compressor but will not remove the pipes. What can we do?
We own a unit in a six unit complex. Each unit is three levels and joined, sharing boundary walls. Each unit has an exclusive use garden. Without approval, a lot owner installed a new air-conditioning unit and compressor. The compressor was installed on our wall, directly in front of our compressor. The neighbours drilled holes in the wall and ran large PVC covered pipes from the wall into our garden bed.
We can no longer use our air conditioner during summer due to lack of airflow. Our compressor was at risk of overheating.
After almost ten months, the neighbour finally removed the compressor but left all the pipes and fittings on the wall. The pipes are constantly dripping water resulting in black mould on the wall.
The owner is now the committee chair and refuses to remove the fittings and pipes. What can we do as we are feeling a bit helpless?
Answer: Be 100% sure there was no approval in the first place.
I think the starting point is to be 100% sure there was no approval in the first place. Then it is a matter of asking the body corporate to arrange the removal of the items. If they don’t, it’s about recognising the potential for a conflict of interest in that decision. That’s what the Commissioner’s Office is for.
This post appears in the July 2024 edition of The QLD Strata Magazine.
Frank Higginson
Redchip Strata Law
E: FrankH@redchip.com.au
P: 07 3193 0500
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