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 was purchased by a married couple.

Prior to moving in, they undertook extensive renovations, which included completely demolishing the kitchen and 2 bathrooms. As a result of these demolitions, cracks started to appear in my walls and ceilings. These cracks have been growing since then, and are now quite extensive.

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? I look forward to your reply.

A: We recommend you check with your strata manager and find out what approval process the owners went through. Before the lot owners undertook major renovations they should have had a by-law registered before undertaking the works. This by-law should stipulate what responsibilities the lot undertaking the work removes from the owners corporation.

The owners who undertook major renovations may be liable to compensate other lot owners for damage done to their lots, although it’s not guaranteed.

If this matter can’t be resolved directly you or the owners corporation may want to take this case directly to NCAT.