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We recently purchased and moved into an apartment on the East side. Despite all of its merits, we knew from reading the minutes prior to moving in, that the apartment suffered from SOME ceiling leakage due to a damaged membrane within the roof (we are on the top floor). It appears the ceiling is much worse than what was described in the minutes as our floor is scattered with pots and pans in effort to catch all of the leaks.
As soon as the problem began to evolve, I emailed the Management company images and a description of the issue as well as followed up with a phone call and expressed my interest to join the strata committee so that future problems could hopefully be resolved more proactively (furthermore, there are other concerns that I would like to act upon for the greater benefit of the building and its owners). No deifinitive answer or help was provided around what would be done.
My question is how can I ensure something fast is done to repair the ceilings/ roof before the problem continues to worsten?
Obviously seeing as the roof is a common area/ expense, I will require the 'buy-in' of the strata…
Thanking you in advance for your help.
– Heads or tails
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Replies
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The Owners corporation has an absolute duty to maintain and repair common property. And when they have done that, they will probably have to fix and paint your ceiling. Not having enough money in the kitty is not an excuse (I say that because it’s a favourite one), neither is the fact that you knew there was a problem when you bought the unit. The sooner they get it done, the better for everyone.
You joining the EC is a matter for all the owners at an AGM (unless there is a vacancy due to a resignation and you are invited to join). You need to be nominated and elected (if nominations exceed the number of available seats).
So there’s your coin toss – upset your neighbours by demanding they fix the roof, or start winning friends and influencing people to get yourself on the EC.
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Heads or tails,
Keep in mind that in effect you are part of the owners corporation… So it may assist you and the owners corporation to start obtaining quotes for what is involved in fixing the source of the issue. It may be prudent to first obtain a quote from a consulting engineer to inspect and advise what is causing the problem, provide a specification on the suggested works etc.
This will assist in keeping matters moving forward.