A defects report was commissioned by the owners’ corporation… We obtained a copy of the report but know the strata manager has not distributed the report to all lot owners in the scheme and has refused to place the defects issue and other matters on the agenda of the next EGM… We made a formal request by email addressed to the strata committee and the strata manager. Do we need to get lawyers involved?- Tess, NSW

Q: We are owners in a 9 mth old medical development comprising consulting suites. A defects report was commissioned by the owners’ corporation before the end of the defects liability period and it identified serious defects in the common property eg roof not meeting BCA, water ponding damage etc.

We obtained a copy of the report but know the strata manager has not distributed the report to all lot owners in the scheme and has refused to place the defects issue and other matters on the agenda of the next EGM because “the notice of EGM has already been issued”.

We made a formal request by email addressed to the strata committee and the strata manager. Do we need to get lawyers involved?

We are not on the strata committee but are concerned other lot owners are being left in the dark about serious defects.

A: It’s recommended that you speak to a committee member as a first step. As an owner you can attend committee meetings and also address the committee, provided you have permission.