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Topic
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An owner changed all their locks (front door, back door, screen door, window) shortly after purchasing their unit.
We are in NSW
Neither the strata manager or the strata committee were advised prior to the work being undertaken.
Over 12 months after the completion of the work the unit owner has asked the strata manager to reimburse them all costs associated with the change of locks.
Where does the strata manager/committee stand on this, are all other unit holders required to pay?
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Unless the original locks were broken, the committee has no need to stump up for this. They choose to change the locks, they have to pay. If they think the locks are owners corporation proerty, politely ask them to reinstate the original ones which they removed without authority. That might change their tune.
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.
Without prior approval for the works and quote it might be hard to get reimbursed especially if it’s not for common property benefit – trust me I’m finding out just how pedantic committees can be in this regard. And trying to take action after doesn’t get far. But on the other side, after 12 months of being in place the owner would be most likely to defend any direction to restore the original lock sets. If they were deemed that offensive your committee should have jumped on them quicker. Ideally, and if the locks were serviceable, the way forward for the owner would be to have someone pay a locksmith to change the key/barrels to prevent former occupants strolling in with the same old key.
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