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[Fromthenorth]

Hi,

I am the owner of a unit in North Sydney. The strata committee has just created a new rule about non-residents not using garages for security purposes. This was done due to the use of the garages both for security reasons and due to the strata act. Apparently there have been issues with people breaking into a garage and stealing items from other garages.

They have referred to the NSW Strata Regulations as follows:

NSW Strata Schemes Management Regulation 2016

Schedule 3, Regulation 16

Change in use or occupation of lot to be notified

(1)    An occupier of a lot must notify the owners corporation if the occupier changes the existing use of the lot in a way that may affect the insurance premiums for the strata scheme (for example, if the change of use results in a hazardous activity being carried out on the lot, or results in the lot being used for commercial or industrial purposes rather than residential purposes).

(2)    The notice must be given in writing at least 21 days before the change occurs or a lease or sublease commences.

I have let a friend have the use of my garage for free for 15 years. Can the strata committee lawfully prevent me from giving my garage to a friend ? In relation to point (1) above, I do not see how this affects the insurance premiums of the strata as garages are the owner’s responsibility.

Your thoughts would be appreciated.

Regards

Gary

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