Farewell to confusion—presenting your quick reference guide. The following determines who pays for repairs and maintenance of Owners Corporation property. Outlining the people accountable for covering repair and maintenance expenses within an Owners Corporation property. 

When it comes to communal living, the Owners Corporation often shoulders the responsibility for maintaining common property. While the individual lot owner usually takes on the upkeep of their specific lot. Outlined in Strata Schemes Development Act 2015, common property “means any part of a parcel that is not comprised in a lot (including any common infrastructure that is not part of a lot).” 

Despite this apparent simplicity, complexities can arise due to the intricate division of property and corresponding responsibilities. 

In the following article, we delve into the precise obligations of lot owners and Owners Corporation when it comes to financing maintenance and repairs. 

What are the Owners Corporation Responsible for: 

1. Outside of building including windows (and locks), boundary walls, fittings, doors, balcony railings, balconies 

2. Foundations, roofs and guttering of the building  

3. Underfloor and boundary wall plumbing 

4. Garage doors and fittings (gears and springs) 

5. Ceilings (unless the cause of the problem stems from a change made by lot owner) 

6. Common area flooring (carpeting) and lighting 

7. Common property fences   

8. Any water damage coming from common property 

What are Lot Owners Responsible for:   

1. Internal Walls of their home 

2. Carpeting within their home 

3. Internal wall fixtures and plumbing (including baths, showers, sinks and toilets) 

4. Ceilings (where the lot owner has made changes) 

5. Any water damage originating from the lot owner’s unit  

6. Pipes, cables, wiring, drains, and equipment like air conditioning, clothes dryers, and hot water systems that exclusively serve the unit or apartment 

To summarise, Owners Corporation bears the responsibility for maintenance and repair matters pertaining to the building’s entire structure. Conversely, the lot owner is accountable for the maintenance and upkeep of their individual unit’s internal space. 

However, acknowledging that situations might not always be straightforward, seeking guidance from your strata manager is advisable in navigating any uncertainties or issues that may arise. By doing so you can determine who pays for repairs and maintenance of Owners Corporation property.

Improve the value of your investment by ensuring your home, gardens and common property are well maintained. To make the switch to a Strata company that will work with you to improve the value of your investment, click here.