Strata topics

We have a situation where a tenant in a townhouse has reversed out of there garage in their car and has hit the garage door causing damage to the garage door and surrounds and their car. They are saying the door was faulty and dropped down when they were reversing out… Who is responsible for the costs of the damage? The tenant, landlord or strata? – Kirk, NSW

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I own an apartment and have a visitors pass that I give to my partner… So long as he has a visitors pass, is he able to visit me as much as he likes? Can they legally fine him even though he is not an owner and does not pay rent? – Ellesha, QLD

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What is the actual dollar value the owners should ask to be insured on the building when selecting a body corporate insurance? – Agnes, VIC

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I wish to change the existing sliding doors, which do not lock, for security doors. I was told that in order to obtain permission, I need to engage a solicitor, draft a by-law and pay $300 in order for a meeting to be held. Is this usual? – Tristan, NSW

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What is considered common property? Is the exterior of the balconies considered common property or is each owner responsible for their own balcony and any damaged caused? – Terri, VIC

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I was wondering if the gardener is supposed to clean up messy gardens as well as lawn mowing in the common area of complex. – Fran, NSW

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We have a lot owner who wishes to install an automatic garage door opener in her garage. Who’s responsibility is it to find an earth and make it available in her garage? – Greg, NSW

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The security gate at the front of our strata property is damaged… The strata manager did not advise when the gate was damaged, is unable to advise when same will be fixed and has not advised the insurer… Does the strata manager have an obligation to advise the insurer so as not to jeopardise the position of the Owners Corporation? – Fiona, NSW

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Can a strata committee member give his proxy to any other owner who is not a member of the strata committee? – Barry, NSW

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I am planning to change the carpet in my apartment to hybrid flooring. I have been told I must send in an application for approval showing the products I intend to use etc. as well as pay to get the flooring acoustically tested after installation to ensure it achieves a certain acoustic rating. There doesn’t seem to be any by-laws that actually require this. With this being the case, do I actually need the approval to go ahead with this? – A, QLD

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Is it considered Fire Safe to cover your windows with non-moveable screens on a three-floor unit building? – Stephen, NSW

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Can body corporate deny me to use short-term rental in my unit complex? – Daniel, QLD

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Bought a unit off the plan. A dryer was included and installed on the wall. The dryer died and has to be replaced. No installer will reinstall the dryer because of all the wires and water pipes in the cavity. Strata Manager says it is our responsibility and if we hit any wires or pipes we are responsible. What can we do? – Lynne, NSW

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I am having continuing trouble with my immediate neighbours and quiet enjoyment. Despite many representations to the strata managers the situation is unresolved. If I refer my issue to NCAT, would it be better to apply for orders against the adjoining lot or the strata manager or both? – Fiona, NSW

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A lot owner did not seek permission from the OC when they erected their shade structure approximately 10 years ago. They do not have a council permit and refuse to discuss the matter in a reasonable manner. What legal rights do we have and how might we exercise our legal rights through our Owner’s Corporation? – Susan, VIC

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