Our car space sits directly below 3 units and their balcony. A planter box full of soil and plants fell off the balcony (it had been sitting on the ledge, despite our strata telling people to remove plants from edge of balcony) and landed on our car roof. – Andrew, NSW

Q: Our car space sits directly below 3 units and their balcony. A planter box full of soil and plants fell off the balcony (it had been sitting on the ledge, despite our strata telling people to remove plants from edge of balcony) and landed on our car roof.

A: This may possibly be best resolved through lodging an insurance claim via your car insurance company.

Your car insurer will pursue those responsible for any damage done and arranging for any necessary repairs. Approaching the situation this way could help to alleviate the stress and pressure you may feel from handling it by yourself also.

It may also be worth having a chat to your committee to let them know of the situation. This may highlight the need and importance of having the by-laws reviewed for your strata scheme to include proper planter box placement on balconies and avoid a repeat of the situation.