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[monique10]

An investor has commenced renovations a month ago in his apartment which involves a new ceiling, floorboards and a new bathroom.  He bought the apartment about four years ago but has always rented it out.

When the Committee was approached regarding the renovations, the presumption was that tradesmen would be doing the work Monday to Friday and the work would be completed as quickly as possible.  However as it has turned out, the Owner is doing his own work, mainly in the evenings and on weekends.  No timeline has been set.  There was an amount of difficulty leading up to the commencement of the work and many aggressive emails were sent backwards and forwards between the Strata Manager and himself with the Committee on the sidelines.  

Last Saturday morning hammering and drilling took place between 8am and 10am.  As Secretary of the Executive and having received some complaints I messaged him politely and asked if it was possible to do the noisy work after 10am on weekends?  He directed me to contact the Strata as it is his right and that I am harassing him.  I did contact the Strata on Monday who contacted him.  He then sent me a threatening text, claiming falsely that I am intimidating and harassing him (not true), I have shouted at him in front of witnesses (not true) the Strata has told me I am being unreasonable (not true) and that if I make any attempt to contact him, he ‘will take action.’  I am unclear if this is a legal or physical threat.  It is even worse as he is in the apartment opposite me.  

I don’t understand how being asked to be considerate of noise levels and delaying noisy work so people can have a sleep in, is ‘intimidating or harassing’.  I am aware that with Council regulations he can work between 8am and 8pm but the residents just asked for some consideration on a later start to the work that we may be all subject to for months.  We do have a by-law (that the Strata Manager pointed out to him)  An owner or occupier of a lot must not create any noise on the parcel likely to interfere with the peaceful enjoyment of the owner or occupier of another lot or of any person lawfully using common property.  He put the blame on me and claimed that I ‘threatened to use by-laws’ and was told that this is unwarranted harassment.  What is the use of by-laws if people consider complying with them as harassment?

I am actually starting to feel sick and frightened of someone that is very charming when he wants his own way and completely irrational, unstable and aggressive when he considers anyone challenging him.  Everyone at the apartments get on very well and I make a point of being friendly to everyone.  I mow the lawns, water the gardens and do various plantings at no charge to anyone.  Up to now, I have loved living there and it’s horrible when bullied like this when acting on behalf of others.  

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