I’m in a top floor apartment, and the wastewater from my bath seems to be leaking out of the pipes and into the bedroom ceiling of my neighbours below. If this is a broken pipe, does the responsibility to fix this lie with me or with the body corp? – Kerryn, VIC

Q: I’m in a top floor apartment, and the wastewater from my bath seems to be leaking out of the pipes and into the bedroom ceiling of my neighbours below. I have had no flooding, or drain blockages, etc, in my apartment, so I certainly haven’t caused this. If this is a broken pipe, does the responsibility to fix this lie with me or with the body corp?

It also seems that my balcony is leaking into the same apartment, and might’ve been happening slowly for a few years. Again, I haven’t done anything on this balcony to cause this. If there is structural damage to the outer of the building, does this lie with me or with the Body Corp?

A: The best way we recommend moving forward is finding the source of the leak. Having this information will clearly outline whether the responsibility for repairs will be on you as the owner or the owners corporation.

Victoria’s rules around pipe damage and repairs within an owners corporation can vary greatly from property to property. It’s best to check your owners corporation rules and get in contact with your owners corporation committee or manager.