Emergency Works – No information provided

Hi

I live in a block of 8 apartments in Neutral Bay NSW. I bought there approx. 5 years ago and until recently was chair of the EC.

I resigned about 3 months ago due to ill health and handed over everything to the new EC.

One of the items was some brickwork that had fallen out under my window, with issues to the 2 windows above. I had commissioned a structural engineer some years before who had prepared a report outlining what needed to be done.

Anyway the new EC has run with this and announced some weeks ago that they had a builder starting work. Scaffolding was erected and the builder took some bricks out and apparently requested another structural engineer’s report.

Last night at about 10pm, I got an email advising that work was to start this Friday. Attached to the email was the new engineers report, drawings etc. I am not an engineer, but it looks like they are going to completely remove my window and replace lintels etc etc (apparently all from the outside). I understand it is common property and they have the right to do this.

There has been no general meeting to approve these works. However, as it falls under emergency works – I believe the EC can approve. They have not provided copies of minutes of any meetings in which the works, budget etc have been approved.

If this work is emergency works (with the wall in danger of collapse), they have not stated how the builder will secure the window/wall (just that he will), nor have they advised how long the window will be out (a security issue as I am on the ground floor and have been burgled before). They have advised that I should move out at my own expense if I am concerned about my security and that my home owners insurance should cover me. They haven’t given me enough time to check with NRMA.

They have not advised whether they have taken out builders insurance, whether the builder is licenced etc.

What are my rights? All I want is full disclosure as I do want the works to go ahead.

I didn’t get any sleep last night and now have a barrage of emails telling me to just accept what they are doing.

Worried.