Question: Can a lot owner allow a visitor to reside is their garage?
I am Strata title secretary of 2 detached units as owners. Only the garages are attached.
Is the owner of the other unit allowed to use his garage as accomodation for his friend who comes and goes whenever he feels like it? How does this affect security and the strata insurance?
I am not personally in favour of this as I have no idea who this person is and whether he has a criminal record or not.
Answer: I would recommend checking with the local council
There is no reference in the Strata Titles Act stating that a resident cannot use the garage for accommodation, however I would recommend checking with the local council on this issue.
In relation to the house guest, Section 19 (4) of the Strata Titles Act stated that the Corporation and Articles cannot prevent or restrict a unit holder from leasing or granting rights of occupation in respect of a unit. This means that other owners do not get a say in who occupies other units in the complex. While the Articles state that a unit holder must advise the Strata Corporation of any change in the occupancy of the unit, they do not need to inform other owners of house guests and background details of the occupants.
This post appears in Strata News #467.
Carrie McInerney Horner Management E: carrie@hornermanagement.com.au P: 08 8234 5777