The owner of a ground floor unit in an older building (1930’s) removed the floor coverings – cork on masonite sheeting from the kitchen area & carpet from all other rooms (excepting the bathroom which remains tiled). This was done to expose, sand & clear finish the timber floor, & the result is visually attractive. However in a few locations floor boards are squeaking, & at one point in the kitchen the noise from this is quite excessive.
The tenant is complaining and the owner wishes to have it fixed but wants the owners corporation to pay for this work. The noise is not transmitted to any other units.
Given that this problem did not exist prior to the floor coverings being removed & the timber floor being exposed who should pay – the owner who has carried out the work or the owners corporation?