Forum Replies Created
-
Replies
-
This is a very interesting topic and I have wondered about changes to unit entitlements in our complex of towhhouses. There are varying entitlements in place relative to the size, position etc of towhhouses.
In the strip where I own, 3 properties have extended up to a 3rd level, all done in accordance with by-laws, OC approval and DAs from council. However none of these have had their unit entitlements (and levies) recalculated to reflect the increase in floor space, views and of course value.
Any suggestions about having this issue addressed? It does not seem fair and equitable to me, and of course I don’t have a 3 level townhouse, and if I did decide to renovate one day, I’d expect to be paying accordingly for the increases.Hi Jimmy
I rent a car space close to where I work. There have been notices put up recently regarding the use of visitor car parking spaces (an issue it seems many of us have to try and deal with), quoting that a recent decision at the CTTT ordered costs of $1800.00 against the offending car parker. I've had a look on austlii but cannot seem to locate this. Do you happen to know if it is true, and if so, could you point me to it? I would really like to be able to include some actual decisions where costs are incurred by offenders in a letter from the OC to owners, in an attempt to try and get some action from those (mostly owners and EC members) who continually abuse the visitor spaces. Of course we will include the intention to issue the Notice to Comply, as well as our intention to proceed to the CTT if these are ignored. It would, however, add some weight if we could include some examples of what the financial consequences may be. Or, am I dreaming……..?
Thanks Jimmy for explaining that so clearly.
There’s no real problem currently, except that our complex is now around 45 years old, and some of the front doors require replacement at a cost of around $1200 each. This could result in a major cost, and additionally there are 2 sets of glass sliding doors which are starting to require repairs. With 26 townhouses in the block, there is a strong likliehood of a large outlay coming up at some point.
The transfer of responsibility was suggested as a way to reduce costs (and of course rising levies).
There is also the issue of owners having replaced their own front doors which are no longer in keeping with the original look of the complex, and whilst this is not necessarily a bad thing currently, there is no by-law in place to allow this, so it appears that the OC is still responsible for any costs associated with future repairs to these.Jimmy
Can you clarify if there is ever an occasion whereby 100% approval by owners is required?
Our EC wanted to propose a by-law which would transfer responsibility of external doors and windows to individual owners from the OC. Our Strata Manager also quoted the need for 100% approval in writing from each owner, and stated that if every owner did not agree to it, they may have recourse later, citing their lack of approval to proceed with the by-law.
Your comments would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks all. It seems my comments about having an inspection may have been misconstrued. In no way was I questioning the necessity for an inpsection – I, along with you, agree that it is an absolute necessity, regardless of cost.
My comment related to the fact that there have been no inspections of our building for at least 6 years, and my neighbour tells me its many more than that. I have an issue with a company issuing compliance certificates for a complex of townhouses that they have not actually been inside (and of course charged the same rate as if an inspection had been done).
As an update, the inspection did take place this week, however 9/26 townhouses could not be accessed, so we are arranging a return visit.
Regarding smoke alarms and fire safety compliance (I read another post but cannot locate it now), we have been advised today that the OC is responsible for all internal smoke alarms in our complex of 26 townhouses.
Of greater concern is that we have been told that annual inspections are mandatory, and one has been arranged by our Strata Manager for this week at a cost of $1200.
I have been an owner here for 6 years, and have NEVER had an inspection. Our SM assures me that we have always had compliance certificates issued.
Just me or does this seem a little suspect…?? Any thoughts as to our position as a member of the EC?Thank you Jimmy.
I have wondered in the past why I pay the same levies as my neighbours, who have at least 1 (in some cases 2) additional bedrooms, an extra full bathroom and great views from their 3rd levels. It won't be popular, however seems fair according to the way UEs are calculated.
On this subject. some townhouses in our complex have converted their roof space into a 3rd level (by-law in place for this). Given the increase in floorspace and views and value (these are now 4 bedroom, 3.5 bathroom) should the strata levies be reviewed to account for this, and how do we progress this?