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[UberOwner]

We’re finding security breaches occuring at regular intervals – front security door left propped open, garage door left propped open.  The residents (all six of them) say “not me.”  There could be an ex-resident out there with an old key, or it could be a current resident who is not owning up.

Nothing has been stolen, but one resident said she saw a stranger in the building one day.  She thought it was a visitor but everyone else has said they didn’t have a visitor that day.

Anyway, I have been through our by-laws and they are silent on building security.  So we’d like to establish a by-law that spells out expectations about security (keeping doors locked, not lending keys, handing back all issued and any copied keys when moving out etc).  At the same time, our Committee has decided to instal two cameras – one at the garage door and one at the front door.  If anything does go missing, we’ll be able to see who came into the building around that time, and if the breaches continue we’ll be able to see who it is.  There is a lot of information around about the rules for surveillance cameras and what we have to do and who can access the footage and so on.  We’d like the by-law to also reflect how we plan to manage all of that (in line with legislation).

Does anyone have a model by-law relating to building security and/or cameras?  I don’t know how we can share as I don’t think this forum has a private message function, but in the first instance it would be great to identify if anyone here has a similar by-law they’d be willing to share.  We can then work out if it’s possible to share as I’d love to read what you’ve included.

Many thanks in advance.

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[Jimmy-T]

Strange that there’s no PM option for you – it appears in the menu in the top left of most posts.

The opinions offered in these Forum posts and replies are not intended to be taken as legal advice. Readers with serious issues should consult experienced strata lawyers.

[UberOwner]

Jimmy thank you, I just noticed the “send a message” link under your name. So I guess that’s it.

Now  just need some kind souls to offer up some relevant bylaws.

[logica_149]

Hi Uberowner in our small apartment block (VIC), we looked into security camera system and the real hassle and expense of altering by laws (model rules) was avoided completely, in the end we did not need security cameras (privacy factor etc), we just changed the locks and installed a security system and this has worked well to date. Good luck.

[UberOwner]

Thank you for reply. I wish it was this easy. We suspect an owner is deliberately sabotaging our security – so changing locks and giving out new keys won’t help that situation.

[kaindub]

Firstly, installing a CCTV system is not a trivial exercise in a strata building. The cheap sets you but from Bunnings are not fit for purpose in a residential building.

Secondly, you will need a special resolution passed at a general meeting as its an improvement to the common property

But as a previous poster has written, why not look at the locks. Perhaps a door closer would be a good idea.

By laws are only effective if you can impose them. Having a bylaw that “tells” people what to do is ineffective. If you tell people to keep the door closed, the only way to police it is to watch the door all the time. Thats just not going to happen.

If you think its a single person, why not discuss their habits with them? As JT has said in the past  ” they may just be ignorant, not malicious”

 

[logica_149]

Hi Uberonwer

I think Kaindub makes some reasonable points; in what way is the ‘owner’ affecting the building’s security i.e., ‘sabotaging’? What sort of damage to the ‘security’ has been done and what makes you think they are doing it ‘deliberately’? As Kaindub suggests, best first to communicate with the ‘owner’ you think is damaging security or perhaps do a group communication notice to ALL owners instead. Or as you have indicated, in original Flatchat post – have you actually ruled out if the damage to the ‘security’ is being done by previous old resident and rather than an owner?

[Jimmy-T]

At the risk of being alarmist, it is quite common for sneak thieves to access a building, prop doors open and then come back later to rob.

But if the problem is internal, our sponsor Bannermans have a DIY By-laws facility for $299 and actually names security as one of their areas for DIY by-law assistance.

The opinions offered in these Forum posts and replies are not intended to be taken as legal advice. Readers with serious issues should consult experienced strata lawyers.

[Author]

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