This article discusses what owners can do if a Queensland committee relies on conflicted advice, outlining practical steps owners can take to challenge decisions and drive change.
Question: What can an owner do if the committee relies on conflicted advice for major repair works?
Our body corporate employs a contractor to obtain and manage quotes for repair works, charging an hourly rate. For a major project valued at over $400,000, this person recommended two quotes that appeared to come from the same address and showed other irregularities.
I raised these concerns with the contractor and the committee, but the committee supported the contractor’s recommendation. I’ve spoken with an experienced professional in the same field who believed the work could be completed for at least $50,000 less, but again, the committee dismissed my suggestion.
The contractor has been awarded work through their own company, and I am concerned that future projects are being overstated in scope and cost. Many owners complain about the high body corporate fees, and I believe these costs are affecting property values.
What options are available to an owner who believes the committee is relying on conflicted advice and not acting in the best interests of the body corporate?
Answer: The beginning of the resolution is to understand the rules of the game.
There are a lot of major governance concerns here, so where do you even start?
If you are in a position like this, the beginning of the resolution is to understand the rules of the game. Make sure you are well informed about the strata process and your rights within it. The LookUpStrata website is full of detailed information about how bodies corporate really work. There are many other resources available. The BCCM website has a great deal of plain English information about the legislation. The newsletters from the commissioner’s office also provide valuable insight into how strata operate. Learn how strata operates and how to use the rules to your advantage.
Then think about what you really want and how you might get that. Consider the problems individually and the solutions available. Talk to other owners. Do they feel the same? Can you put together a group to build some momentum and start effecting change?
Use the processes that are available to you as an owner. This means following the legislation and applying it. It can be frustrating sometimes, but it is still the most effective means of change.
In this case, you are talking about the committee arranging major works. If you disagree with the process, arrange your own quotes and submit them for voting. If there is a vote that you don’t like, vote no. Tell others why you are voting no and see if they agree. If the committee is breaching spending or other laws in approving works, file a dispute claim.
Nominate to join the committee. Campaign to other owners to tell them why you want to be a committee member. If you want things to change, be the catalyst for that change.
William Marquand
Tower Body Corporate
E: willmarquand@towerbodycorporate.com.au
P: 07 5609 4924
This post appears in Strata News #778.
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Read next:
- QLD: Improving understanding of body corporate duties to reduce conflict
- QLD: Ratifying unauthorised committee decisions
- QLD: Should our body corporate manager charge individual owners for making direct enquiries?
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