Our fire safety protection company told us we are required to have a block diagram and quoted almost $1000 to do the diagram and change the batteries in our system. I thought the price was excessive and asked our strata managers to wait until we got a quote back for the work from the company that installed the original system. I emailed the committee this information and have been told in no uncertain terms that as I live in a strata complex I have no right to do this as it refers to common property. My quote was $300 cheaper. Is there legislation that supports this? What have I done wrong? – Corrie, NSW

Q: Our fire safety protection company told us we are required to have a block diagram and quoted almost $1000 to do the diagram and change the batteries in our system. I thought the price was excessive and asked our strata managers to wait until we got a quote back for the work from the company that installed the original system.

I emailed the committee this information and have been told in no uncertain terms that as I live in a strata complex I have no right to do this as it refers to common property. Is there legislation that supports this? My quote was $300 cheaper. I expected them to be grateful but our Chair/Secretary is on a power kick. I did not accept the quote and told him it had to go to a committee meeting. I forwarded all information to them and our strata managers. What have I done wrong?

 

A: Generally speaking, there should not be an issue with selecting from a range of companies/suppliers when it comes to fire safety checks and operations as long as those carrying out your fire safety inspections are fully certified.

If there are disagreements when it comes to who to choose as a provider, you may wish to call upon your strata manager for internal mediation. As you mentioned, it may also be decided via a vote at your next meeting.