Fair Trading din't need to send yyou to the Department of Lands – they should have been able to answer this themselves (with the emphasis on should have). Without knowing the details, it seems to me that ther information is correct and it's all a common property issue. In very simple terms, you should be able to claim back your share of the money that you wrongly paid to the Owners Corp. However, something else worth thinking about is that if this affects every unit or townhouse, there is no free ride on this for anyone. What you gain on repairs you will all lose from your sinking fund. I would get agreement to refund or offset the money you have already paid before you proceed any furhter with this.