#12864
Jimmy-T
Keymaster

    My Uncle Jamal said:

    The standard bylaw 5(5) requires the owner of the apartment to maintain and repair locks and safety devices without claim on the owners corporation.

    That is not the case.  5 (5) simply says that if you have installed locks, screens or security devices yourself, then you have to maintain them. Here is what it says …

    5   Damage to common property

    (1)  An owner or occupier of a lot must not mark, paint, drive nails or screws or the like into, or otherwise damage or deface, any structure that forms part of the common property without the approval in writing of the owners corporation.

    Then …

    (3)  This by-law does not prevent an owner or person authorised by an owner from installing:

    (a)  any locking or other safety device for protection of the owner’s lot against intruders

    And finally

    (5)  Despite section 62, the owner of a lot must maintain and keep in a state of good and serviceable repair any installation or structure referred to in subclause (3) that forms part of the common property and that services the lot.

    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.