Are locks considered common area? Are building managers allowed to have master keys to access apartments? – Grant, NSW

Q: I understand that apartment front doors are considered common area, are the locks also considered common area? Are building managers allowed to have master keys to access apartments?

A: Most of the time the entry door to your apartment is an owners corporation item and forms part of the common property. The first reason is because it’s on the boundary between your lot and common property and secondly, it needs to be re-certified each year as part of the fire safety measures in the building. There can be exceptions for townhouse developments but in apartment blocks, they’re usually common property.

As for building managers, yes – they are allowed to have master keys to all apartments. Access on the other hand is not allowed unless permission has been granted by either your owners corporation, or the lot owner. Building managers must follow the specific notice and authorisation procedures to gain entry into an apartment.