This question about hanging Christmas decorations on the balcony has been answered by Tony Overell, The Knight.
Question: Are there laws about external Christmas decorations and strata units in Victoria? Can I hang Christmas decorations on the balcony?
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Are there laws about external Christmas Decorations and strata units in Victoria?
Am I required to seek permission from the owners corporation to hang Christmas decorations on the balcony of my apartment?
Answer: There are no specific rules relating to Christmas decorations however the decorations could fall under certain areas of the Model rules if they are placed on Common Property.
There are no specific rules relating to Christmas decorations however the decorations could fall under certain areas of the Model rules if they are placed on Common Property.
See OWNERS CORPORATIONS REGULATIONS 2007 – SCHEDULE 2
Model rules for an owners corporation
Model rule 3.1.1 states that an owner or occupier of a lot must obstruct the lawful use and enjoyment of the common property by any other person entitled to use the common property. Some could try and argue that such decorations impacts their enjoyment of the property and therefore restrict the use of decorations.
Also model rule 3.3 – Damage to common property – could come into play if, as the installation of the decorations have the potential to damage part of common property, such as how they are affixed (screwed or nailed) to common walls. Screwing a sleigh and reindeer on the common roof may be going a bit too far.
Placing decoration solely within the boundary of your Lot should not be an issue provided it doesn’t negatively impact others, e.g. placing flashing lights within your balcony and this area is next to the bedroom window of your neighbour may not go down well.
Hopefully, the Owners Corporation takes a pragmatic, anti-Scrooge, community approach to policing temporary Christmas Decorations that may fall into part of the Common Property as a few fairy lights or tinsel never hurt anyone.
I might add any allowance for Christmas decorations will have to apply to all other religious celebrations throughout the year.
Merry Christmas
This post appears in Strata News #173.
Read next:
- The Spirit of Christmas: What about the Christmas Party?
- Noise, Nuisance, Neighbours, the Silly Season and Strata
Tony Overell,
The Knight
T: 03 9509 3144
E: tony@theknight.com.au
This article is not intended to be personal advice and you should not rely on it as a substitute for any form of advice.
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