Q: My daughter had a pipe burst under her bathroom vanity. The water leaked for 5 hours until the plumber arrived. Her carpets were ruined as well as her vanity unit. Strata said it is at her cost. However, the tap outside her unit in a cupboard needs fixing the plumber said. Because it only turns off to 80% which is why she could not shut the water off completely. Should any of her damage or the plumbing cost be covered by strata?
My daughter had a pipe burst under her bathroom vanity… Should any of her damage or the plumbing cost be covered by strata? – Pauline, NSW
A: In cases where the damage has already happened, it may be a little difficult to get strata to compensate for damages resulting from common property issues.
To have strata cover costs for damage to a lot owner’s property as a result of problematic common property facilities, there needs to be evidence that the issues were brought up to the strata committee/owners corporation, and that there was a lack of action on the committee’s part.
You may be able to seek some compensation, it would be best to speak to your strata committee’s secretary or chairman regarding the situation. Alternatively, you may want to speak to the strata manager if one is present.
