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  • #8750
    Mailbox
    Flatchatter

      We have an external light fitting in our courtyard which has been broken since we moved in. The light switch is inside our unit. The fitting is more than 2.5 metres above ground, attached to the exterior wall. We have units above us.

      SM says this is not their issue as it switches on from our unit and benefits us only. However my understanding is we are responsible for 1m below, and up to 2.5m above.

      Happy to get it fixed, if indeed it’s our remit but would like advice/thoughts first. Thanks.

    Viewing 6 replies - 1 through 6 (of 6 total)
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    • #18081
      scotlandx
      Strataguru

        The answer lies in who put it in. Was it always there, in which case it is likely to be the OC’s. Or was it installed later? Are there any by- laws relating to the light?

        I put a light outside my backdoor, wich is operated from a switch inside my lot, so it is my responsibility.

        #18083
        Mailbox
        Flatchatter
        Chat-starter

          I’d say it’s always been there. Same fittings as lights on common property, the internal switch is the same as all the others.

          #18084
          Austman
          Flatchatter

            There are other lots with the light the same as yours?  Why not ask them what they do in the same circumstatnces?

            But if the switch is inside your apartment then it’s probably your power that’s being used and therefore it’s your light and a service that you exclusively control.

            In VIC at least, a lot owner must “maintain any service that serves that lot exclusively ” regardless if parts of the service go though or are on common property.

            Get long life bulbs fitted (perhaps LEDs) and hopefully not have the problem again for a long time.

            #18088
            Mailbox
            Flatchatter
            Chat-starter

              The fitting is actually hanging off the wall. If it is ours, I’ll probably just remove it then as we haven’t used it in 3 years so probably won’t start now.

              #18094
              Austman
              Flatchatter

                I see now that the fitting is damaged?  I understood that broken meant – not working.

                You don’t say which state you are in.  But in VIC owners must also maintain the “appearance or outward state” of the lot. And owners must maintain services that exclusively service their  lot.  All this might seem a bit silly at times, but if it’s your light fitting, you are requited to maintain it.   The OC can always decide to fix or maintain these things if they choose to – but it’s not compulsory.  It might be wise to get OC permission before removing the fitting.

                In other states the rules might vary.

                #18097
                Mailbox
                Flatchatter
                Chat-starter

                  Update: I told SM I would remove the light and let them know when that was done so they could make good the common exterior wall. At which point he decided it would be cheaper to just fix the light …

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