I live in Canberra in a class A strata unit. One of my switches in the electrical fusebox against the wall is not working. Do I pay to get this fixed or does the owners corporation pay? – Anka, ACT

Q: I live in Canberra in a class A strata unit. One of my switches in the electrical fusebox against the wall is not working. Do I pay to get this fixed or does the owners corporation pay?

 

A: This will depend on whether the fusebox is for your sole use/benefit, or if it provides use/benefit for the whole plan.

If it is for the sole use/benefit of one owner, the cost for repairs will most likely fall on the owner. If the fusebox is part of common property, however, and is of use/benefits to many lots within the plan, the cost for repairs will most likely fall on the owners corporation.

Review your strata plan and by-laws to see if the electrical fusebox falls under your responsibility or that of the owners corporation. This could be another tool to help you determine who will pay for repairs.