Question: Our apartment building’s reticulation floods our storage locker. Many items have been damaged or destroyed. Who is responsible?
Twice per week our apartment building’s reticulation system causes flooding to our storage locker.
This has resulted in several items being absolutely destroyed including 2 large rugs, a baby car seat, high chair, a wooden bed head and an electric bicycle.
The storage area is now mould infested and anything that is stored in there is totally ruined within weeks.
Are strata compelled to fix this? Do we have any grounds for compensation regarding the replacement of our things?
Answer: You would be advised to direct your damaged contents to your contents insurer
Maintenance resulting from common property, such as reticulation that is entering places it shouldn’t, needs to be reported to the strata or a strata manager if you have one, to minimise damage to the building and other property.
You would be advised to direct your damaged contents to your contents insurer and, if claimable, they may try to seek recovery for the cost of the claim. They will want to know how the damage occurred.
If the strata or strata manager ignore the issue, you may refer this issue to a strata consultant or lawyer who would advise the best course of action to resolve the matter.
Leonie Milonas PSC Property Lync Insurance Brokers E: leonie@lyncinsure.com.au P: 1300 127 503