Parking across garage entrances and on common property

Question
Could you please clarify the laws regarding parking on non-allocated parking areas on common property in Victoria? For example, if someone …

We live in a self-managed block of strata units. If a bathroom has been renovated and taken away from its originality, is it the responsibility of the owners’ corporation to maintain this bathroom in order to keep water from penetrating into the unit below or does it come under the responsibility of the owner to maintain his premises and keep in good order. – Jeanette, NSW

Q: We live in a self-managed block of strata units. If a bathroom has been renovated and taken away from its …

During away on holiday someone tried to break into my apartment. The door became heavily damaged, it has split. Strata is refusing to pay the cost saying that “I cannot do a repair and charge back”. Is this lawful, given the fact that the additional damage was caused by the delay of the strata fixing the door? I went to mediation but strata did not even reply. Is there any way to get back my money? -Ottilia, NSW

Q: During away on holiday someone tried to break into my apartment. The door became heavily damaged, it has split.
I reported …

Is my chairperson allowed to pay themselves $100 for fixing the letter box?

Question:
Is my Chairperson allowed to pay himself $100 to fix our letterbox? It was a small job, just a matter …

Over the past couple of months one of my neighbours has started a personal gym from their parking space. Is this business allowed and if not what can we do about it? – Luke, VIC

Q: Over the past couple of months one of my neighbours has started a personal gym from their parking space (which …

We have 3 strata separate title units in our owners corporation. We would like to self manage. What do we need to do? – Richard, NSW

Q: We have 3 strata separate title units in our owners corporation. We would like to self manage. What do we …

We have an over zealous new building manager who insists on sending lengthy emails about what’s wrong before and now in this crisis. – B, VIC

Q: We have an over zealous new building manager who insists on sending lengthy emails about what’s wrong before and now …

My mum lives in a body corporate in a block of town houses, now was wondering, her fees are usually due in June every year now this year they are due 1 month earlier, can they change the date it’s due? – Michael, VIC

Q: My mum lives in a body corporate in a block of town houses, now was wondering, her fees are usually …

We have never had a Body corporate on the understanding that in NSW one is not required. Is this still the case? – Allan, NSW

Q: I own a unit which is one of two free standing on a block – both separate units for which …

I’m concerned my renovations won’t be approved by my committee

Question
I recently purchased a unit and started some renovations without approval. It was only for a new kitchen splashback, new floor …

Cracks started to appear in my walls and ceilings as a result of extensive renovations by new owners. When I mentioned this to the new owners, the reply was “that wasn’t us, that was the builders”. What can I do about this? – Robyn, NSW

Q: Around the middle of last year, 2019, following the death of the man in the apartment above mine, his apartment …

Can other owners stop me from entering common areas?

Question
As a lot owner, can I be refused entry to common areas by another occupier?

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Answer
All lot owners have access to …

We are in a strata building comprising 6 townhouses with all six owners on the strata committee. The building is 18 years old and never had roof maintenance. Can the owners’ corporation force us to replace the roof? – Ariel, NSW

Q: We are in a strata building comprising 6 townhouses with all six owners on the strata committee. The building is …

Does a roof replacement in a strata building classify as a major renovation? What kind of approval does it need to obtain? – Ariel, NSW

Q: Does a roof replacement (not repair) in a six townhouses strata building be classified as a major renovation?
If it does …

Are balconies common property in Queensland? – Peter, QLD

Q: Are balconies common property in Queensland?
A: It would be best to check your by-laws and building plan. These documents should …