My intercom is not working properly and strata are refusing to fix it. I would like to know whether the owners corporation is indeed responsible… Strata rules are also very dependent on whether the wiring serves only my lot or more than one lot – is there any simple way of determining this? – Anna, NSW
Q: Hi there,
My intercom is not working properly and strata are refusing to fix it. They haven’t had a technician out to investigate and so currently don’t know the cause of the issue but are saying that because they haven’t received any other complaints, it’s a wiring issue of our intercom and exclusive to the use of my lot, thus owners corporation are not responsible.
I would like to know whether this is actually true or whether the owners corporation is indeed responsible, given the intercom system is integrated into the building system and services all lots in the unit.
The intercom is also located on a shared wall with our neighbour, does this change anything (as I know shared walls fall under owners corporation responsibility).
Strata rules are also very dependent on whether the wiring serves only my lot or more than one lot – is there any simple way of determining this?
Thank you.
A:
If the intercom system is located in an area that is considered common property and is for the use and benefit of all lot owners in your strata property then it is owners corporation responsibility for repairs and maintenance.
To find out if the wiring serves your lot only, or others, you may want to hire a technician. It is worth noting, however, that this may be at your expense. We do recommend speaking to your strata manager or committee first to agree on where responsibilities lie.
If there are further disputes around the issue without any resolution, you may wish to bring the matter up with NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT).
For strata property repairs in New South Wales, consider using Building Facilities Management Solutions (BFMS), our experienced strata repairs and maintenance specialists by clicking here.
