Who do I pursue for unit repairs?

QUESTION: I have repairs needed on my townhouse but real estate keep saying strata need to do it and they can’t make them.

One is a sliding door that doesn’t shut fully. Rain gets through and is causing constant mould growth even the gap being plugged as best as possible with towels.

Another problem is rain leaking into the house from an upstairs balcony.

The real estate seems genuine but I’ve had issues with them dragging feet before. Strata are known to be useless. I just want to know who needs to do what and make them do it – Vladyi, via Forum.

ANSWER: The key issue is that the Owners Corporation has an absolute legal responsibility to fix common property – no limits and no exceptions. Your rental agent should know this.

You can either take your landlord to Fair Trading and get an order forcing them to demand that the Owners Corp fixes Common Property – that will cost about $35. You would start that process by going to the Fair Trading website related to rental disputes

Or you can take the Owners Corp to the CTTT yourself, which costs about $75 but at least you’re cutting out the middle man. You’d start that process by filling in a form for mediation which you will find HERE for NSW. Or call Fair Trading on 13 32 20 to get the ball rolling.

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