Q: Hi. I'm a new property owner. I live in an apartment on the ground floor. My apartment has two balconies. I wish to change the existing sliding doors, which do not lock, for security doors. I was told that in order to obtain permission, I need to engage a solicitor, draft a by-law and pay $300 in order for a meeting to be held. Is this usual? I would also like to have security screens on the two windows in my apartment, for the same reason. Do I need to pay another $300 and draft another by-law or can I include it with the permission for the doors? I'm sorry if these are dumb questions, I've been a home owner for only six days and this is my first encounter with Strata as an owner. Any help would be gratefully appreciated.
I wish to change the existing sliding doors, which do not lock, for security doors. I was told that in order to obtain permission, I need to engage a solicitor, draft a by-law and pay $300 in order for a meeting to be held. Is this usual? – Tristan, NSW
A: When it comes to renovations to your lot (apartment) in strata, you will need to have a by-law drafted and registered, and have the renovations approved as a special resolution at a meeting.
By-laws are there to protect both yourself and the owners corporation. It provides you with proof that you have gone through the proper steps to renovate your lot, and that you have approval from your strata committee.
Doing renovations without proper by-laws and committee approval can result in you having to remove renovations and restore the lot to its original condition. This results in a lot of time, money and energy wasted, which is why we recommend you always get proper by-laws and approval before doing major renovations.
If you need help with renovation by-laws, check in with Kemps Petersons Legal, the experts in strata legal and by-laws services.
