#28824
Jimmy-T
Keymaster

    @Stevecro said:
    I am not sure whether a by-law which allowed an OC to charge those who don’t have email addresses for services of notices would stand up in a Tribunal or Court. It could be argued by those affected that it is harsh, unconscionable or oppressive as many elderly and not so elderly people do not have computers or email addresses.  

    I don’t want to pick a fight here but it seems odd to me that you are telling people to “toughen up” and not adhere too strictly to the letter of the law on sending out notices (with which I agree) but shying away from a measure designed to get those who have email addresses to use them.

    Everybody gets charged, albeit indirectly, for the delivery of “dead tree” notices.  All you need to do is offer a discount to those who allow email delivery (the same way that you can offer a discount on levies to those who pay promptly or in advance).

    The reason is obvious – sending out emails costs nothing, hence the discount.

    I don’t even think you need a by-law. It’s just the committee acting in a way that benefits the whole community and doesn’t affect anyone adversely since they would just be paying their share of delivery costs anyway.

    There is no surer way of focussing owners’ minds on issues than putting a price on them. I can’t see a discount for email deliveries being effectivelly challenged in either an AGM or a Tribunal.

    Is offering a discount to owners who can afford to pay their levies in advance unfair or discriminatory against those who can’t? Whatever we think, the government says no.

    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.