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My strata refuses to consider installing double glazing for my bedroom window/door that directly faces a main road.
Is this a matter for strata to consider or were they right to tell me to nick off?>
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Were you offering to pay for the double glazing? Or expecting your Owners Corporation to pay? If you bought a unit facing a main road, then you should have expected some traffic noise. Perhaps you should look at some alternatives such as earplugs, or moving your bed away from the window and door.
oceanroom said:
My strata refuses to consider installing double glazing for my bedroom window/door that directly faces a main road. Is this a matter for strata to consider or were they right to tell me to nick off?
Firstly, windows are common property and therefore a strata issue but unless they are defective or deteriorating or not up to standard, then you’ve got what you paid for and they don't need to get involved. However, you could ask them to allow you to replace the windows yourself (including approving a special resolution by-law meaning you took responsibility for the installation and maintenance costs).
Another option is a secondary window inside the existing one which only just affects common property and will considerably reduce traffic noise. That is the easiest and cheapest option and you’d probably get away with just informing the OC that you were planning to install them.
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.
Dear Jimmy & Oceanroom,
The OC has no responsibility to install double glazing if the is currently no double glazing.
As per section 62 of the act, the OC needs to maintain common property, being what was there when the building was built.
In comparison the OC can either resolve to add to common property, or permit you to add to common property, for the purpose of improving it, by a special resolution at a general meeting as per section 65A of the act, and may wish to pass a by-law to define who is responsible for the ongoing maintenance of such an installation.
If you are considering getting the OC to install double glazing, consider that the OC would need to be able to offer this to all owners and fund these works for all units (worst case scenario). Keep in mind the impact of this on your levies.
You may want to have a look at a product called Magnetite which I have seen used in several locations as a cost effective solution to double glazing of windows.
Mr S
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