Flat Chat Strata Forum Common Property Current Page

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  • #11512
    genem
    Flatchatter

      Hi Folks, this is my first post, so let me know if it’s in the wrong sub-forum. 

      So I have an issue where, when it rains heavily and for an extended period water sits underneath the wooden floating floor around the front doorway. It definitely doesn’t come through from the front door. A handyman (qualified in waterproofing) has said that the tilt of of the walkway on the other side of the wall from the leak leans in towards the building, so water sits there and leeches in.

      This has caused warping and ‘popping’ of the board not just in the entrance but further along into the kitchen. The guy said he won’t be able to match the flooring that has gone down (it’s like a reddish stain not popular these days), so he’d need to replace the entire front door, kitchen and living area. There is also a small amount of damage to gyprock and rust around the metal door frame.

      I had a quick chat with the body corporate president and she was adamant that any damage was our responsibility, and she didn’t want to entertain fixing the slope of the walkway.

      The handyman is putting together a formal quote, but I was wondering if I should be engaging a different trade?

      Also, who is responsible for the damage inside the unit? I want to move out and rent it out in about a month, so am I better off getting the floor done now and chasing the body corp for the money if they are responsible for it?

      Thanks everyone!!

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    • #28928
      genem
      Flatchatter
      Chat-starter

        I forgot to mention, the walkway beside my apartment is common property, and I live in QLD.

        Thanks

        #28929
        Jimmy-T
        Keymaster

          It seems pretty clear to me that the problem is in common property and caused by a fault in common property.

          Your chairwoman may be just trying to make sure she doesn’t have to pay her share of your problem. 

          Write to her and tell her that you have established that this is a common property problem and that you will proceed with getting quotes for repairs which you will bill to the Body Corporate if she doesn’t respond within 14 days with a plan to fix it at the Body Corporate’s expense.

          Having said that, I wouldn’t do anything further than getting quotes until you have established your rights officially. 

          Your plan to let the property is unfortunate as far as timing is concerned but you could always give the tenants a rent rebate while the work is being done and than charge that back to the Body Corporate too.

          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.
          #28931
          genem
          Flatchatter
          Chat-starter

            Hi Jimmy, thanks for the fast response. I think what you’re suggesting with a rebate for the tenants is a good idea – probably the safest option. 

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          Flat Chat Strata Forum Common Property Current Page