Introduction
One of the most often asked questions we get is ‘who’s responsible for a repair’, then quickly followed by ‘how come I have to pay strata levies?’.
In the realm of strata schemes in Western Australia, the question of responsibility for repairs is a crucial aspect that demands clear explanation. This blog post aims to provide an overview of the parties involved and their respective responsibilities with strata repairs.
Responsibility Matrix
To establish a robust understanding, let's delineate the responsibilities among key stakeholders:
Strata Owners
- Responsible for maintaining and repairing their individual lots as defined by the strata plan.
- Promptly report any defects or issues within their property to the strata council / strata manager.
Strata Council
- Empowered to manage common property and oversee repairs.
- Undertakes inspections to identify maintenance needs.
- Executes repairs on common property and ensures compliance with regulations.
Strata Manager
- Often engaged to facilitate administrative tasks and manage repairs.
- Liaises between owners, the council, and contractors to ensure smooth coordination.
Legal Framework
Understanding the legal framework is imperative for a nuanced comprehension of strata repair responsibilities. The Strata Titles Act 1985 in Western Australia serves as the primary legislative guide and stipulates the duties and obligations of strata owners, councils, and managers.
Individual Lot Owners
- Duty to maintain and repair their individual lot. The definition of the lot will vary from scheme to scheme and the boundaries of the lot will usually be identified by reading the strata plan. It is important to note that not all strata schemes are equal and will therefore have different maintenance requirements.
- Must not cause damage to common property and promptly report defects.
Strata Council
- Authorised to enter individual lots for inspections related to common property maintenance.
- Responsible for repairs to common property, funded through strata levies.
Strata Manager
- Acts as an intermediary, facilitating communication and assisting with administrative tasks.
- Ensures compliance with the Strata Titles Act and any additional by-laws.
Financial Considerations
A critical aspect of strata repairs is the financial component. Strata levies, collected from owners, form a crucial pool for funding repairs to common property. The strata company, in consultation with the strata manager, determines the budget and allocates funds judiciously.
Communication Channels
Clear communication is the linchpin of effective strata management. Owners should promptly report issues to the strata council or where appropriate – the strata manager, and the council should ensure transparent communication about repair plans, timelines, and budget allocations.
Conclusion
In conclusion, understanding the intricate web of responsibilities for strata repairs in Western Australia is paramount for harmonious strata living. Individual owners, strata councils, and managers each play a vital role, with legal frameworks providing the guidelines for their respective duties. By fostering open communication and adhering to these responsibilities, strata communities can thrive in well-maintained environments. For further insights or clarification, do not hesitate to reach out to our Strata Team.