Flat Chat Strata Forum Rental rants Current Page

  • Creator
    Topic
  • #10245
    howdee
    Flatchatter

      We have recently purchased a 3 Bedroom Apartment in a Block were we have another Apartment. We require Bi-Lock Security Keys. We received two at the Time of Purchase and have additional Tenants moving in. We have been disputing with the Strata Manager who wants to charge us $122.00 for a Key we can but from the Local Locksmith for $21.50. He Claims the additional $100.00 is a refundable Deposit, But, since these Keys are required for individual Tenants, and since the Residential Tenancy Act requires us to provide a Key for each Tenant, we say that the Key will never be returned for a refund of the “Deposit”, so we should not be expected to pay this $100.00 Rip Off. Should we take this Matter to NCAT, or is there a Strata Management Ombudsman?

    Viewing 5 replies - 1 through 5 (of 5 total)
    • Author
      Replies
    • #24233
      Whale
      Flatchatter

        howdee – I assume that you’re referring to common property access keys, where as the landlord you are indeed required to provide one to each tenant shown on the Residential Tenancy Agreement (RTA) for your unit, and may charge / pass on any legitimate fee to other occupants who also require one.

        As for the security deposit, it’s quite common for Owners Corporations to resolve to use that means to ensure that occupants attach some ‘value’ to their means of access to the property so as to avoid site security being compromised when access devices become like backsides (i.e. where everybody has one), and of course to cover its cost of administering the system.

        So in that context I don’t regard a $100 security deposit as unreasonable, and it’s only in the event that you choose not to return common property key/s that are in excess of your needs at the end of a RTA or if a key was lost would that deposit not be refunded.

        In the overall scheme of things a few hundred dollars is a deductible drop in the rental ocean, but if you object you can always raise your concerns by way of a Motion on the Agenda of your next Annual General Meeting.

        #24236
        proxaccess
        Flatchatter

          May I ask you what sort of security keys you are talking about?

          Metal key or key fobs?

          #24241
          proxaccess
          Flatchatter

            Metal key!, i didn’t read properly

            #24254
            Boronia
            Flatchatter

              If it is a proper security key, you should not be able to get a copy made at a locksmith’s without an approval from the SM (for their nominated shop)

              #24255
              Jimmy-T
              Keymaster

                Every time a common property key wanders off with a former resident, the security of your building is reduced. That’s why Owners Corps demand a deposit that you can then pass on to your tenants. 

                I really don’t see the problem here – it’s costing you nothing and its preventing the security of your and other owners’ homes from being compromised.

                If your tenants can’t be trusted to return the key, maybe you are choosing the wrong kind of tenant.

                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.
              Viewing 5 replies - 1 through 5 (of 5 total)
              • You must be logged in to reply to this topic.

              Flat Chat Strata Forum Rental rants Current Page