I’m surprised that a Strata Search and/or a Building Inspection prior to the purchase by the current Proprietor didn’t raise a red-flag, but in the current circumstances I don’t think that the Owners Corporation (O/C) can just “let it go”.
How is what’s been done in this instance markedly different from what was allegedly done by the Proprietor of that fire-ravaged Unit in Bankstown (NSW) who it was reported erected additional walls internally within the Lot in order to accommodate more beds/people?
Apart from the structural issues (which should not be ignored), I believe that there are numerous other implications arising from the two Lots being combined; building insurance and the unit entitlement being but two of those. Like why give an Insurer an excuse to refuse a Claim by the O/C, and who’s to say that the unit entitlement of the combined Lots is equal to the sum of that for the individual Lots?
There should have been a Strata Sub-Division (in NSW) in order to ensure consistency between what’s on the ground and what’s on the Strata Title, and irrespective of the fact that the O/C may now have bear the costs of that depending on how an amicable approach to the current Proprietor is received, the Executive Committee (E.C.) should in my opinion ensure that’s now done so as not to perpetuate the matter.
Mac…. if you’re in NSW I’d suggest a chat with Land & Property Information (the old Land Titles Office) about what’s involved with a Strata Sub-Division.