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[chesswood]

We have a Sydney building which is generally without air-conditioning. A few years ago, the then owner of one of our units installed split-system airconditioning. He was a qualified electrician and did a neat job however he’s gone. He didn’t seek approval from the OC. We don’t know how he intended to drain the condensate.

The current owner found that the AC needed work and engaged a technician. However, we’ve got a brand-new water penetration problem which is probably due to condensate from the indoor unit being discharged into the wall cavity.

I suppose the best approach would be to write to the new owner, drawing his attention to the problem and saying we think it is due to his airconditioning unit which was installed without permission and without showing any plans to the OC. We point out that the OC is required to investigate the cause of the trouble but is not responsible for the cost of any repairs. We could add that we’d like to have detailed plans of his unit so we could consider whether to allow its continued operation.

Any better ideas, please? We need to look conciliatory but to keep options open for NCAT action.

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