One unit in our block is infested by pests and has an unpleasant smell. What can we or strata do? – Maurice, NSW
Q: One unit in our block has an infestation of cockroaches. The owner is an alcoholic hoarder with cats. The smell …
What are my rights as an owner to come and go from my residence without being blocked? What are my rights to not be abused by someone breaching the By Laws? What are my rights for the Body Corporate Committee to take action? And what are my rights when a member of the Committee attempts to bully via email? – Joel, QLD
I have an ongoing dispute with the Body Corporate Committee. Several times over the last 5 years I have photographed and …
I am interested to know about what to do if cigarette smoke is drifting into my apartment from another apartment. – Christina, QLD
Hi Christina, this is a common issue in strata living as smoke may drift in from neighbouring apartments and common areas …
Can you smoke at night on your own balcony? – Nadeem, NSW
Hello Nadeem, you will need to consult the by-laws for your strata plan, as there might be a by-law restricting smoking …
The individual front doors in our apartment block were recently replaced. They are all the same size and yet what each unit paid was based on the sq metres of each apartment. Is this correct, as it does not seem fair for the same product. – Tina, QLD
Hi Tina, the contributions levied on the owner of each lot are based on the contribution schedule lot entitlements, unless the …
What can we do about a manager not repairing a roof that causes damage to apartments? – Cherie, VIC
This question is about the inaction of the Owners Corporation manager, a company that ‘manages’ multiple small 4-20 unit OCs. We …
I live in a block of six units and one of the units had a leaking gas problem and had to have repairs done with new copper pipes. No other unit was involved. Is this a body corporate expense or the owners? The pipes were on the outside of the building, going into their unit along the wall so I’m not sure who is responsible. – Faye, NSW
Hello Faye, we recommend asking your strata manager. Responsibility will depend on if the pipes only service one lot, if they …
I have a problem with the cracks in drainage in my bathroom under the bathroom floor slab but within the boundary of the villa unit itself. Is repair my problem or that of the body corporate? – Robert, NSW
Hello Robert, any plumbing issues underneath the floor are the owners corporation responsibility. Please advise your strata manager about the issues, …
Who sets the amounts for strata levy fees and when they are due? Where can I refer to the amounts and dates due once these are set? – Jason, NSW
Hello Jason, strata levies are agreed and passed at the AGM. The proposed budget is sent out at least 21 days …
Does an owner have the right to request a copy of agreed quotations for works on building without paying? – Gloria, NSW
Hello Gloria, yes the owner can request the quotes that have been approved by the strata committee or owners corporation. Contact …
I am renovating bathroom areas, have had special by law drafted, passed by owners corporation and registered. Do I require extra insurance, other than what the contractors have, to cover those areas that may be potentially effected by the renovations? – Jeanette, NSW
Hi Jeanette, check with both your insurer and the owners corporation, as either may need to be notified under the policies …
I am now trying to buy flood insurance just for our townhouse, but can’t find an insurer. What are the rules for flood insurance in Standard Format Plans? Is there a duty of care component? Is there a way I can get flood insurance for my building? – Jennifer, QLD
I live in one of four Standard Format Plan townhouses. In 2011 our townhouse was severely flooded due to river water …
Can a person transfer a garden title from strata to a unit? The garden is in front of their unit. Do they pay for the land area? Who do they pay? Do the entitlements change, therefore strata fees and therefore council rates and value of other units for land tax? Who should I direct these questions to? I would appreciate any suggestions. – Judy, NSW
Hello Judy, if this piece of land is still on the strata plan, and is common property, the owner will need …
Is it possible to enforce or invent a by law regarding cigarette smoking on common property for occupants and visitors. By common property I mean at the letterbox at the entrance to our complex. It really creates an unpleasant sight. – Margaret, NSW
Hello Margaret, A by-law restricting smoking on common property can be adopted at the strata scheme. However, depending on the location …
A unit keeps two rabbits on the balcony for breeding, who didn’t get permission and it produces very bad smells. At times the rabbits are walking on the balcony in their dirty mess, and I cannot enjoy my balcony as the smells is offensive. – Maureen, NSW
Hi Maureen, you will need to consult the by-laws for the strata scheme, as pets might be allowed at the building. …
