Owners of property within a strata complex are not at liberty to undertake works on, or within, their lot in the same way as other property owners can.
Notice of renovations to lots
As a lot owner in an owners corporation you are entitled to renovate or refurbish the interior of your apartment or unit.
However, it is a legal requirement of the Owners Corporation Act 2006 and the Model Rules that you notify the Owners Corporation when:
- undertaking any renovations or other works that may affect the common property and/or other lot owners’ or occupiers’ enjoyment of the common property – for example creating noise or dust from power tools and machinery, or
- If the renovations require a building or planning permit.
Some types of renovation work may require authorisation from the Owners Corporation even where a building or planning permit is not required. For example, among other things, the Model Rules provide that:
- owners must not alter common property without written approval of the Owners Corporation,
- owners must not damage or alter a structure that forms part of the common property,
- an owner or occupier (eg renter) of a lot must obtain the written approval of the owners corporation before making any changes to the external appearance of their lot.
Common examples of these matters include installing items on common property walls such as air-conditioners, altering the common property structure such as by drilling new plumbing penetrations through the main slab, or changing the external appearance of a lot by installing double glazed windows. In addition, owners must also seek authorisation if the proposed renovations will alter a common service.
The Owners Corporation Committee is supportive of owners renovating their lots, however renovations need to be managed appropriately to ensure the structural and aesthetic integrity of our building, limit disruption to residents (especially from construction noise) and manage waste removal.
If you are planning a renovation, its best to check with the Owners Corporation Committee via the Owners Corporation Manager. The Committee and the Building Manager can provide guidance and even assist to coordinate access for trades etc.
Installing split systems/air conditioning
Installation of split systems will almost certainly involve changes to the external appearance of a lot or potentially common property.
Owners must therefore seek authorisation from the Owner’s Corporation Committee via the Owner’s Corporation Manager before installing such a system.
There are standards that must be followed when installing new air conditioning systems or replacing old ones.
Double Glazing
A number of apartments have double glazed windows and balcony doors. The advantages of these are:
- Heat reduction in summer, especially on north or west facing windows.
- Heat retention in winter. Heating systems are much more effective, heaters don’t need to be turned up as high and this leads to lower costs for all owners.
- Noise reduction. This can be the main reason for installation of double glazing. City living is noisy.
Installing new windows can change the external appearance of a lot. Owners must therefore seek authorisation from the Owner’s Corporation Committee via the Owner’s Corporation Manager.
In most instances, where the proposal is to replace with a like-for-like design, approval can be obtained quickly.
A note on gas or electric kitchen appliances
Only Stage 2 lots (the heritage apartments on Grattan Place and houses on Grattan Street) have the benefit of individually metered gas supply.
This means that only Stage 2 apartments or houses can fit gas cook tops or ovens. It is not possible to install gas kitchen appliances in any of the Stage 1 apartments (the non-heritage apartments that make up the majority of the complex).
Installation, maintenance and repair of kitchen appliances such as stoves and ovens are a private matter.
