Failure to repair rental problem damages common property

I am hoping there is some experience out there to assist us in this situation. Briefly, tenants in one of out townhouse complex advised there rental agent of an issue with the main bathroom floor sinking. They had originally noted this area as being suspect on the agent’s inspection checklist when signing the lease – approx 18 months ago. With the problem unattended and no advice given to the OC or the Strata Managers, it gradually deteriorated to the stage where it has been determined unsafe and requiring much more extensive repairs than would have been necessary in the early stages – before flooring started to rot etc.

The OC’s position is that there has been substantial contrinutory negligence by the owner and agent through not informing the OC of the need for maintenance. When advised of out position the agent has siad they understand, however it is a building fault and as such is the responsibility of the OC to maintain and repair. First quote on current repairs was over $4,000, though we now have a lesser on for half that. The principle is what concerns us as the owner (overseas) and agent have not acted in the best interests of the owner, tenants or the rest of the owners through lack of attention.

Any comments please?