Building rules/by-laws
Our building requires remedial work, the major focus being on fire regulatory compliance and water issues. Our strata company have been less than forthcoming with important information, along with engaging expensive services. The strata management company and co are expecting the owners consent for a five million-dollar shortfall but this is out of the question. Are you able to assist us with information that may aid our cause? – Simone, NSW
Question: I live in an 18 year old warehouse conversion in Sydney and our building requires remedial work, the major focus …
My neighbour’s shower leaked & the strata fixed it but plumbers put holes in the wall and the water damaged my wall, floors and kitchen cupboards. Is the strata responsible? – Malcolm, NSW
Question: My neighbour’s shower leaked due to a break in the membrane behind tiles. This has been repaired by the strata …
Two people in our building are parking around a small cul-de-sac on common ground. Body corporate has been approached to ask them to comply, however, they want to ‘keep the peace’. What courses of action can we take? – Hans, QLD
Question: We have a situation where two people in our community are parking around a small cul-de-sac on common ground. They …
1. My neighbour attacks any visitor to my place verbally when they park in designated visitor parking. What can I do to stop her? 2. I was told by fair trading that as my bathroom is the original bathroom when I renovate that body corporate is responsible for the floor tiles and waterproofing. Tiles are cracked and damaged all over the floor. My body corporate says no. What is the truth please? – Carol, NSW
Hi Carol,
1. We would normally recommend you chat to your neighbour about their behaviour. However, considering the circumstances, you will …
A neighbour continues to wake us at 2am. What can we do? – Peter, NSW
Q: A neighbour with a bedroom directly above ours has removed carpet and now has the odd rug, but otherwise floorboards. …
What can the Body Corporate do if they are not happy with a dog in the apartment? – Audrey, QLD
Q: In mid-November 2018 my husband and I bought an apartment in Townsville. We asked the Body Corporate if we could …
I want a companion dog for certain health reasons as I’m on a disability pension and my committee are not very flexible. Legally where do I stand? – Conrad, NSW
Q: I’m an apartment owner in a tower in the western suburbs. You are allowed two dogs but a certain size. …
We have a two-year-old and live near a chain smoker. What can we do about secondhand smoke? Our greatest concern is our baby. – Adam, NSW
Q: Hi. I’m living in a rented apartment in a block in Sydney. We have a two year old. Are there …
One unit in our block is infested by pests and has an unpleasant smell. What can we or strata do? – Maurice, NSW
Q: One unit in our block has an infestation of cockroaches. The owner is an alcoholic hoarder with cats. The smell …
What are my rights as an owner to come and go from my residence without being blocked? What are my rights to not be abused by someone breaching the By Laws? What are my rights for the Body Corporate Committee to take action? And what are my rights when a member of the Committee attempts to bully via email? – Joel, QLD
I have an ongoing dispute with the Body Corporate Committee. Several times over the last 5 years I have photographed and …
I am interested to know about what to do if cigarette smoke is drifting into my apartment from another apartment. – Christina, QLD
Hi Christina, this is a common issue in strata living as smoke may drift in from neighbouring apartments and common areas …
Can you smoke at night on your own balcony? – Nadeem, NSW
Hello Nadeem, you will need to consult the by-laws for your strata plan, as there might be a by-law restricting smoking …
Is it possible to enforce or invent a by law regarding cigarette smoking on common property for occupants and visitors. By common property I mean at the letterbox at the entrance to our complex. It really creates an unpleasant sight. – Margaret, NSW
Hello Margaret, A by-law restricting smoking on common property can be adopted at the strata scheme. However, depending on the location …
Are you aware if the NSW Government has plans to enforce that older Strata buildings, such as the three storey walk up apartment buildings, to install fire safety equipment? Obviously this would be a big expense for many strata plans. – Margaret, NSW
Hi Margaret, your concern about the cost to install fire equipment at the strata plan is understandable. However, the cost of …
A unit keeps two rabbits on the balcony for breeding, who didn’t get permission and it produces very bad smells. At times the rabbits are walking on the balcony in their dirty mess, and I cannot enjoy my balcony as the smells is offensive. – Maureen, NSW
Hi Maureen, you will need to consult the by-laws for the strata scheme, as pets might be allowed at the building. …
