#29047
Jimmy-T
Keymaster

    It’s different in NSW. According to the “Who’s responsible …’ document

    Tiles on a boundary wall or floor are the responsibility of the owners corporation. All other tiles are the owners responsibility.

    The two exceptions are:
    1. The tiles on the 2nd floor of a townhouse that was built prior to 1st July 1974. The tiles on the floor in this case are the Owners responsibility.
    2. The tiles were laid by the owner and are subject to a bylaw

    So while laying a timber floor is a ‘non-major’ renovation, removing the tiles first would require special resolution approval as it is changing common property.

    There would be little to stop you laying timber flooring on top of tiles except you’d have to raise the bottoms of all your doors (including cupboards) and you’d have to pay careful attention to noise insulation as timber on tile would be like walking on a xylophone (at least, to the people downstairs).

    Don’t try to do this on the cheap.  You could end up paying more when you are ordered to remove the timber flooring or, even worse, reinstate the tiles.

    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.