In Sydney, building maintenance in strata buildings is typically a shared duty. The owners corporation is responsible for common areas like hallways, lobbies, and exteriors. They ensure these spaces are safe and well-maintained.
As a lot owner, you are responsible for the upkeep within your unit, adhering to strata by-laws. Knowing the terms of the Strata Schemes Management Act 2015 helps avoid disputes.
Interested in understanding the finer details of strata maintenance and resolving potential issues? Keep reading!
Overview of Strata Building Maintenance In Sydney
In strata buildings in Sydney, the owners corporation handles the upkeep of common property while individual lot owners maintain their own spaces. This division of responsibilities is outlined in the Strata Schemes Management Act 2015.
The owners corporation takes care of areas like the building exterior, common walls, and shared facilities such as pools and gyms. As an individual lot owner, you’re responsible for your own unit’s maintenance, including interior repairs and fixtures.
It’s crucial to refer to the strata plan and by-laws to understand the specific maintenance duties assigned to each party. Knowing these details helps avoid disputes and ensures the building remains in good condition for all residents.
The Role of Owners Corporations
The Owners Corporation makes sure common areas in strata buildings are well-maintained and safe for all residents. They handle maintenance and repairs for places like building exteriors, lobbies, and shared facilities. By keeping these areas in good shape, the Owners Corporation helps maintain the value and safety of the building.
They take care of tasks like repairs, cleaning, and general upkeep to ensure everything works smoothly. The responsibilities of the Owners Corporation are clearly outlined in strata by-laws and the Strata Schemes Management Act. This legal framework makes sure they meet their duties effectively, making your living environment comfortable and secure.
Their proactive maintenance approach helps stop issues before they become major problems.
Responsibilities of Lot Owners
As a lot owner, you’re responsible for maintaining the internal areas of your unit, including fixtures, fittings, and any repairs to walls, ceilings, and flooring.
You’ll need to ensure that windows, doors, and any additions within your lot boundary are well-maintained.
Adhering to strata by-laws and keeping your unit clean and safe are also crucial parts of your role.
Interior Repairs Coverage
You’re responsible for handling all interior repairs within your unit, including walls, fixtures, and fittings. This means you need to maintain internal walls, ceilings, and flooring. Any repairs to your internal plumbing, electrical systems, and appliances are also your responsibility.
This includes painting, fixing internal doors, windows, and addressing any damage within your unit. Additionally, any fixtures or installations inside your unit must be maintained and repaired by you, following strata regulations.
Keeping everything in your unit in working order and well-maintained is part of your duties as an owner. This helps keep your property in good condition and up to code.
Individual Property Upkeep
Maintaining the internal areas of your property, including fixtures, fittings, and internal walls, is your responsibility as a lot owner. You must handle tasks like painting, repairing internal plumbing, and maintaining flooring within your lot. Any damage or maintenance required within your property’s boundaries is up to you to fix.
Make sure you understand your obligations to avoid any potential issues with the strata committee.
What About Common Property?
Common property in strata buildings includes shared areas like hallways, stairwells, and building exteriors. As a lot owner, you collectively own these areas with all other owners in the strata scheme.
The responsibility for maintaining and repairing common property falls on the owners’ corporation. They ensure that shared spaces remain safe, functional, and pleasing to look at.
You have the right to use and enjoy common property, but you can’t alter it without the owners’ corporation’s approval. Proper maintenance of these areas is crucial for everyone’s safety and the overall value of the building.
Understanding your rights and responsibilities regarding common property helps maintain a harmonious living environment in your strata community.
Common Area Limits
In strata buildings, the owners’ corporation handles maintenance inside the ceiling of common areas. However, you’re responsible for the paintwork on internal ceilings within your unit.
Features like cornices in common areas also fall under the owners’ corporation’s maintenance duties.
Keep in mind that specific maintenance boundaries for ceilings may vary depending on your strata scheme’s by-laws. It’s crucial to review these regulations to know exactly what you’re responsible for.
Generally, ownership and maintenance duties for ceiling features are well-delineated in the strata scheme’s rules, so always check those documents to clarify any uncertainties.
Maintenance Procedures
Now that you know the boundaries of common areas, let’s focus on the maintenance tasks you’re responsible for within your own unit.
As a lot owner, you’re responsible for maintaining the internal configuration and space of your unit. This includes the upkeep of internal fixtures, fittings, and contents. You’ll need to handle maintenance of walls, flooring, and internal plumbing within your unit’s boundaries.
Strata schemes often provide specific guidelines for these tasks, so be sure to familiarise yourself with them.
Understanding the distinction between common property and your individual lot is essential.
Minor Repairs Management
In strata buildings, the committee or manager typically handles minor repairs to keep everything running smoothly. These minor repairs are financed through the administrative fund, ensuring that small issues are promptly addressed.
If you notice something that needs fixing, you can request a repair through the strata manager or committee. They’ll coordinate the necessary work and ensure the invoices are paid on time.
How Major Repairs Are Handled
Major repairs in strata buildings require the owners’ corporation or strata committee’s approval to ensure proper oversight and quality control.
Follow these steps to get the repairs done right:
- Obtain Multiple Quotes: Collect several quotes from different contractors. This helps ensure competitive pricing and quality work.
- Approval and Review: Present these quotes to the owners’ corporation or strata committee for review and approval. For repairs exceeding $10,000, a general meeting may be required.
- Schedule Repairs: Once approved, schedule the repairs promptly to address the issue effectively and prevent further damage.
Strata By-laws and Maintenance
Understanding strata by-laws is key to knowing who handles maintenance in a Sydney strata building. These by-laws clearly state who’s responsible for maintaining common property versus individual units.
For example, the owners corporation usually takes care of structural elements, utilities, and shared spaces, while individual owners are responsible for their own units. Following these by-laws ensures everyone knows their duties and the building stays in good condition.
It’s important for both owners and the owners corporation to follow these rules, which help keep a peaceful and well-maintained environment. Knowing and complying with these by-laws will save you time, prevent conflicts, and ensure the building’s longevity and functionality.
Dispute Resolution Processes
When maintenance issues arise, knowing the dispute resolution processes in your strata building can help address conflicts efficiently. Open communication and negotiation are your first steps. If that doesn’t resolve the issue, your strata committee can step in to facilitate formal dispute resolution procedures. This ensures everyone understands their legal obligations and responsibilities.
To resolve disputes effectively, follow these steps:
- Communicate Openly: Start by discussing the issue directly with the involved parties.
- Involve the Strata Committee: If needed, bring the matter to your strata committee for formal mediation.
- Know Your Legal Rights: Familiarise yourself with strata laws and by-laws to understand your position.
Getting Professional Help
To ensure quality and compliance in building maintenance, engaging licensed strata remedial builders is crucial for strata buildings. It’s essential to hire reputable contractors with the necessary licences and insurance coverage. This ensures that maintenance work meets safety standards and regulations.
If you need to repair your strata building, be sure to get in contact with us by calling 0432 899 026 or emailing info@smrbuilders.com.au.