If a balcony railing needs to be replaced in a strata complex which is 1969 build – do we then need to replace all the railings to make the building compliant – Vivienne, NSW

Q: If a balcony railing needs to be replaced in a strata complex which is 1969 build – do we then need to replace all the railings to make the building compliant

 

A: If you need to make balcony railings compliant with current standards, your local council can advise on that.

It may be best to check with your strata committee or strata manager. Your strata by-laws might also outline the replacement, repairs and maintenance of your balcony.

Generally speaking, strata property balconies are counted as common property—which is especially true when the balcony structural elements were affixed at the time of registration of the strata plan—and therefore fall onto the responsibility of the owners corporation.

It could most likely be the case that your owners corporation will need to use the maintenance fund or raise a special levy to replace the railings across the building to maintain a uniform look.

For more information about balconies, read our article on Balcony maintenance and repairs in strata – who is responsible?

If your strata committee needs assistance organising balcony replacements and repairs, try Assured Building Maintenance who leverage and access the support network of more than 1,000 tried, tested and vetted contractors.