I live in a two story town house where we are being forced to pay for window locks to be fitted, yet the 2 story house next door (privately owned) does not have to comply. Why are strata buildings being targeted?  – Stephen, NSW

The NSW strata legislation requires that by March 2018 windows that are less than 1.7m above the floor inside and 2m or more above the ground on the outside, need a child-proof/safety lock in place.

As most windows are common property, the owners corporation will arrange this and the cost will be part of the levies. If the owners corporation does not have funds available, a special levy may need to be raised.