Question: Due to a lack of maintenance at our building, the property is not secure, and my car was broken into. Is strata responsible, and can I claim the damage and loss on strata insurance?
I’m renting an apartment in a strata block. I park my car in my designated parking bay. It was broken into three times.
Two gates on the property are continuously broken, and the property is not secure. What are the strata council’s responsibilities here? Does strata insurance cover this?
Answer: The short answer is “no”.
Section 91(1)(c) states that the strata company must repair and maintain common property. This would include the gates at the scheme. If you feel this is not being done, and it is to the detriment of the scheme, we suggest raising the concern with the strata manager and/or council of owners.
However, in reference to your question – is the damage to your car claimable under the strata insurance if the gates are not working? The short answer is “no”.
Strata insurance will only cover the building and any strata owned contents against malicious damage. Your car is privately owned and does not fall into either of these categories. The strata insurance does not cover it.
Rick Blampey SVN Perth E: rblampey@svn.com.au P: 08 9427 7955