My neighbour has had their NBN installed without body corporate permission… They have added extra conduit along the external wall which comes down very close to and in direct sight of my front door. It’s bulky with external clips and is very unsightly every time I enter my apartment. What are my options? – Karen, QLD

Q: Hi, my neighbour has had their NBN installed without body corporate permission. While they could have had the cabling installed from the ceiling down their door frame, they have added extra conduit along the external wall which comes down very close to and in direct sight of my front door. It’s bulky with external clips and is very unsightly every time I enter my apartment.

I have spoken to and emailed my neighbour saying that while I would prefer to have the installation removed, it would be an acceptable compromise if they changed the conduit to a more streamlined and smaller fitting so it was not so unsightly. I have not received a reply from them. What are my options? If they are unwilling to compromise can I go to the committee to ask for this to be removed? Should the committee write to them as the next step prior to a breach of by-law being issued?

A: If a friendly chat with your neighbour to discuss options for the conduit does not show any effort to compromise on their part then try checking your by-laws.

If your neighbours have installed this conduit without the proper processes and permissions in place, speak to your body corporate committee or body corporate manager. They should be able to resolve the issues in accordance with what is outlined your by-laws regarding changes to the external appearance of the building, as well as renovations.

If the body corporate committee finds your neighbour in breach of by-laws, they may send a letter of contravention, which will outline what by-laws are being broken and serves as a warning also.

To find out more about by-laws and rules, click here to download your free Community Living guide.