I am owner-occupier a Strata unit. With OC’s permission, I installed NBN. I have to pay the cost of running cables that’s around $400. However, I think it is like establishing a new telephone service which is the OC’s responsibility. Can you please advise? – Mini, NSW

Q: I am owner-occupier a Strata unit. With OC’s permission, I installed NBN.

Now I have to pay for the cabling into my unit, as the technicians had to find a new cable path as the existing path was blocked by a balcony. OC will pay for the labour cost, but they say since it is the owner’s responsibility for connecting NBN service to the unit, I have to pay the cost of running cables that’s around $400. However, I think it is like establishing a new telephone service which is the OC’s responsibility.

Can you please advise?

 

A: Since the cables run into your unit and supply NBN only to you, the work will be considered as owner responsibility.

In most cases, your owners corporation’s responsibility to cover the cost of works only applies to common property and facilities that are used by/benefit multiple lot owners.

In this case, your owners corporation is correct in leaving the responsibility to pay for the cabling of NBN to your unit to you as the owner.

Alternatively, you may wish to speak with other owners to see if they also want NBN. That way, there may be costs that could be shared.