Question: If our doors are lot property, can the owners corporation force owners to change to a registered key system? We don’t want the owners corporation to have unauthorised access to our lot.
Our owners corporation is forcing all lot owners to change their lot door locks. The new system has a registered key, and the owners corporation will have access to that key system.
Are the doors lot property or common property? If they are lot property, can the owners corporation demand this?
We do not want the owners corporation to have unauthorised access to our apartment.
Answer: If access to your lot is required, the owners corporation must give you a Notice of Entry under the Act.
The owners corporation cannot force owners to update the door locks to a registered lock system.
Assuming the locks are private property, the owners corporation doesn’t have the right to change locks or force migration to a registered key system (regardless of whether or not they pass a special resolution).
The owners corporation has no authority to request or hold any keys to your private property. If access to your lot is needed, the owners corporation is obligated to provide you with a Notice of Entry as required by the Act, ensuring your privacy and rights as a property owner are respected.
Additionally, if your owners corporation has implemented a registered key system to enhance the overall security of the building, it is necessary to have a registered installer cut your key. In the event of a security breach, it is advisable to have a registered installer replace the hardware, as a regular locksmith cannot duplicate your apartment key. It’s important to note that the owners corporation manager, chairperson, or any committee member is not permitted to possess copies of keys to your private property.
Ali Kaymakam
MBCM Strata Specialists
E: info@craigieburn.mbcm.com.au
P: 1300 777 276
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