Once again this forum has provided me with answers to “what do I do next”.
Whale, you are right, I am in NSW, Sydney area.
PeterC, your information, confirmed by Whale, has addressed the issues I am experiencing. As always – nothing is simple – there is a history of “bad-blood” between me and my neighbor, the subject of my initial inquiry. They (married couple) and I are on , the EC. I have over the last few years, since my retirement, have become more active in the decision process of the Strata plan.
In doing so I have “locked horns” with my neighbors who have in the past more or less run the show. The 4 townhouses are all owned by the original owners, one owner lives in the country and has had a rather frequent turnover of tenants (multiple tenants at the same time) current tenants are the best – so far. The other owner chooses not to be involved and really wants a quiet life.
The reason for my increased involvement was the amount of owner specific and cosmetic expenses being charged to the strata plan. In addition the “straw that broke the camel’s back” was the direction that the strata plan would change our garbage collection arrangement from shared green, glass and paper recycle bins to individual bins for each townhouse. As you can imagine this, with garbage, would result in 16 bins for 4 terrace style townhouses with limited bin storage room. I might add that my neighbor locks their garbage in their garage. The council was advised of this decision without any discussion with any other owner. I was successful in stopping this plan.
Since then our communications have deteriated to the point that all contact is via e-mail. The strata manager has been placed in the crazy position of ensuring that he confirms that any decision is agreed to by both members of the EC. Enough of the dramas.
The current position, as I see it.
I need to get an “expert” opinion on the problem – which is occurring in all residences to my knowledge – structural or cosmetic.
If cosmetic, discuss with the other owners the various options available to us. I might add that I have repaired minor cracks caused by settlement of the residence over the circa 17 years of living here.
I know I’ve rambled but I appreciate the advice I get from this forum. I am so uncomfortable with the tension this is creating.