My daughter was given a non-functioning key fob for the garage in her new apartment. Body corporate management told her she must purchase a new one, however it has never worked. Surely she should have been given a working key fob on settlement and they should pay for it? – Elaine, QLD

Q: My daughter has just bought an apartment. When she moved in she was given a nonfunctioning key fob for the garage. It doesn’t work and therefore she cannot park in the secure car park. Body corporate management told her she must purchase a new one.  Surely she should have been given a working key fob on settlement and they should pay for it?

A: It is the responsibility of the new owner to check that the key fob worked when it was received from the previous owner at settlement. As it may be too late to report back to the vendor, she will need to pay for a new/replacement if that is the property’s procedure.