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

Q: Bought a unit off the plan. A dryer was included and installed on the wall. The dryer died and has to be replaced. The original dryer was installed on the wall and screws were screwed onto the wall water pipe in the cavity. 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. Is this correct the original dryer should never have been screwed into a water pipe. Strata did pay for the emergency plumber. What can we do? The dryer now sits on a washing machine and the tenant is not happy.

A: It may be best to resort to your strata by-laws and strata plan to find where boundaries lie between what’s considered part of the owners lot (therefore being owner responsibility), and which parts are considered common property (responsibility of the owners corporation).

Usually, pipes and wires located inside/behind walls that service multiple lots are considered common property. What your strata manager may be referring to is that any common property damaged by owners will require repairs that are paid out of the responsible owner’s pocket.

You may wish to speak to your strata manager to arrange the dryer in a new area if space is available.

If the matter remains unresolved you may wish to take it up with NCAT for mediation and resolution.