Pity there’s no re-boot button that stops bad behaviour.

Although not on our Executive Committee where we’re 36 units, I have lately become privy to its workings and ask for advice on what can be done about the following.

There is an owner here who hails from a foreign country; owned for three or four years now. 

First he made internal renovations on three fronts; changed balcony doors and windows, put down wooden floors, altered plumbing; all without asking for or receiving approval. He also used unlicensed tradesmen and paid cash. He claimed he thought this was all OK as that’s how it’s done where he comes from. He had to pay for Special By Laws for this work.

He continuously leaves rubbish of all types and other goods and possessions at his front door and at the bottom of the stairs. He smokes (some say dubious substances) in his downstairs garage and of course the smoke drifts up to haunt other residents.

Because he has become the recipient of several letters from the Strata Manager and Executive Committee including (I am told but doubt our EC or SM would be so bold) more than one Notice to Comply, he now has a large chip on his shoulder, believes he is being unfairly victimised and behaves threateningly and aggressively towards just about everyone. His behaviour is provocative and he is actually frightening. All this, and he has a very nice, polite wife and toddler to whom residents are equally nice in return.

He’s the sort of bloke who you’d love to just sit down and tell him if he stops behaving like a pork chop all will be well, but I fear that’s not going to happen. His antics are, of course, affecting lots of others and the tone of the building, especially his immediate neighbours. 

What’s to be done? Pity you can’t just press a ‘reset button’ in a situation like this.