Flat Chat Strata Forum Common Property Current Page

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  • #40637
    Lyn
    Flatchatter

      Our apartment building is about to put in new balcony doors for every apartment.  There is some concern about what constitutes ‘make-good’ responsibilities of the Owners Corporation.    For example, is the Owners Corporation responsible for the cost of taking down curtains, blinds and plantation shutters and paying for putting them back up – or is that an owners expense?  What about ingress to floors – carpet, tiles, floating floors – to what extent is it the OC’s responsibility to ‘make-good’?  Has anyone experience with doing a similar upgrade of balcony doors – and what was your experience with this issue – taking into consideration, some owners are more demanding than others.

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    • #40667
      Jimmy-T
      Keymaster

        The strata ACT says, in section 106, that the owners corp is responsible for “common property and any personal property vested in the owners corporation.”

        I have to admit that I have never understood what “personal property vested in the owners corporation” i. But I would look at it this way, just for the sake of finding where to draw a line, anything that would be covered by strata insurance should be the responsibility of the OC.  Anything that isn’t should be the responsibility of the lot owner.

        Make no mistake, this is totally arbitrary and subject to potential challenge.

        But the fact that everybody in the block is affected means that the cost is spread to some extent.  OK, the person with the heavy drapes and fancy blinds will have to pay more.  But would they save money if they had to pay a share of the cost of everyone trying to prove that they were paying an unfair share?

        Everybody needs to get a grip and be glad the OC is doing something for the building.

        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.
        #40672
        scotlandx
        Strataguru

          Yes I agree – this doesn’t just apply to balcony doors, it can be anything, for example a friend of mine is in a building where they did extensive works for a fire upgrade. The owners agreed that the rectification works that might be necessary for each apartment would be paid for by the respective owners.

          If the owners insisted on the OC paying, they are paying for it anyway, and remember if the OC is paying they can determine who does the works. Save a lot of time and grief and get on with it.

          #41029
          Lyn
          Flatchatter
          Chat-starter

            Thank you – I like your perspective.

            #41031
            Lyn
            Flatchatter
            Chat-starter

              Thank you – that example could also come in handy for us later down the track.  Appreciated.

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