As you probably know, the owners have an obligation to maintain the common property. If the works aren’t being done, ultimately they are devaluing their properties. However, strata levies can be difficult for pensioners and if they are used to low levies it is more of a shock.
One option for them is to enter into a payment plan for levies in arrears – a payment plan needs to be approved by the owners at a general meeting.
Another option is for them to approach a bank about a reverse mortgage. The Department of Human Services also offers a pension loan scheme at lower rates.
Whatever way you cut it, if the common property needs work, it needs work, and delaying it because someone can’t pay is counterproductive. The problem your daughter will have is that they are likely to push for lower levies next time, and/or refuse to approve any higher levies.