› Flat Chat Strata Forum › Common Property › tenants storing bikes on common property › Current Page
We have had a constant battle regarding residents (owners and tenants alike) using common property for extra space. We have had bikes, prams, building materials, soil, bricks, garbage and of course the old washing lines/drying racks (in the driveway mind you not on balconies). And even cars parked outside of garages in the narrow driveway. This ontop of the always present use of visitors car spots. We sent out a letter in plain english, not the strata bylaw language. It stated that when you step out of your front door, that is common property. When you step out of your garage into the driveway, that is common property. Yet still people persist. One could understand if it were a new resident not aware, but it is those who have received the notice time and time again.
I believe that people know all the hoops the EC has to go through to get any action done. So they behave themselves then get back at it. Would be great if the EC could get items removed with adequate notice to resident in question. I personally feel like giving up. If people want to live in a place that looks like a dump, then so be it.
But at least you are doing the right thing in writing to the tenant, and doing it through the managing agent so there is a record of communication. At least in this way, should there be an incident with these bikes (ie someone falls/trips over them) you can show that you have done your best at notifying and asking them to comply.
This is what concerns me when members of my EC will not agree to write to residents regarding common property issues, preferring to “just talk” to them. With no evidence that the committee has done their duty of care in upholding the bylaws and protecting the complex and its residents against any claim made due to injury of “illegally” stored items on common property makes me wonder if the EC could be held liable for not acting.