Building Garage Unsecured, Car Number Plates Stolen!

kmish on 10/06/2019 - 16:38

I'm a renter on level 1 of an apartment block. Someone drove into the communal (street facing) garage's door, causing the thing to fall apart. This has left the carpark, and the building unsecure, as anyone has access to the elevator. The accident occurred over 4 weeks ago, and the strata company said that they are waiting on the owner's committee to come to a decision (we aren't told who's on the owners committee as we rent here), and have taken zero action to secure the premises.

Earlier this week, someone's bicycle was stolen from the car park. Last night / this morning, someone stole the number plates off my car.

I have informed the police about this, and left a message with the strata committee. I'm on good terms with the owner of this apartment and I spoke to him, and he said he will also speak to the strata company about this, but he is unsure what can be done.

The plates were from interstate, so I'm arranging a replacement (I drive back and forth between the states fairly regularly, but I can't drive with no plates, so sorting it out at the moment).

I'm lost with what to do from here. Is it possible for me to get compensation from strata for the issue that they've caused me?

The building is still unsecured, and I'm unsure how long it will take before they fix the issue. Is the strata liable to provide some sort of action to secure the premises (CCTV, IP camera, security guard)?

Home & Garden

Comments

  • tsunamisurfer on 10/06/2019 - 16:41
    -3

    Is it possible for me to get compensation from strata for the issue that they've caused me?

    Some people are fkn unreal.

    Do you listen to yourself? The Strata has 'caused' you?

    • kmish on 10/06/2019 - 16:47
      +14

      They haven't taken any action. It's been 4+ weeks. Then this happens.
      You don't believe that they could have stopped this from happening if they took action?

      • crashloaded on 10/06/2019 - 17:09

        I've been trying to get strata in my apartment block to fix concrete slab problems in my basement for nearly a year now, good luck! lol

      • elgrande on 10/06/2019 - 18:26
        +3

        Worth a shot but might be hard to prove that the theft was definately caused by the damaged door.

        I.e. it could have been one of your neighbors, or a guest. Having the door does not guarantee it would not have happened.

      • elf888 on 13/06/2019 - 15:20

        I believe so if you take this with your lawyers.
        Woolies has been liable for someone slipped over where water on floor for 2 hours……

  • Godric on 10/06/2019 - 16:43
    +2

    Is it possible for me to get compensation from strata for the issue that they've caused me?

    Lol good luck

    • kmish on 10/06/2019 - 16:53
      +22

      Mate, its a forum. I come here to ask questions that I don't know answers to / the answers are not obvious. There's no need to link an old
      post to this. You also don't have to comment if you don't have anything helpful to say.
      I'm lost with what to do. I'm asking the ozbargain community if they have any suggestions, not asking you to have go's with no constructive solution.

      • EightImmortals on 10/06/2019 - 17:01
        +2

        Yeah the hostility is a bit weird for sure. From what I can see you rented a place with a secured gate which got smashed and has not been repaired in a reasonable amount of time. If the body corp aren't doing their job then perhaps put in a complaint with your rental agency or perhaps the NSW tenancy organization (whoever they might be). Good luck getting compensated, but you do deserve the level of security that was there when you signed the lease and the tardiness of getting it repaired has caused you expense/inconvenience.

        • crashloaded on 10/06/2019 - 17:11
          +3

          Actually 4 weeks isn't long at all when you consider that if the problem that needs fixing is over the committee spending limit, in which case they'll have to organize a meeting and vote + get numerous quotes.

          • EightImmortals on 10/06/2019 - 17:18

            @crashloaded: Which is why committees should be outlawed. :)
            I'n sure the body corp has a discretionary repair fund, most of them charge an arm and leg so money shouldn't be the issue. And if they know who caused the damage then it should come out as an insurance job anyway?

            • crashloaded on 10/06/2019 - 17:21
              +3

              @EightImmortals: If it's an insurance job it should just be fixed asap, if not, even if there is a surplus of funds they still have to follow the laws to have the repair done.

              If i was op, i would just get the new plates etc and pay costs, then send a letter asking for those costs to be reimbursed because of the issue.

              As for compensation, that would be something you need to take up with your agent.

              • kmish on 10/06/2019 - 18:44
                +1

                @crashloaded:

                If i was op, i would just get the new plates etc and pay costs, then send a letter asking for those costs to be reimbursed because of the issue.

                This is a good idea. I shall keep all receipts, thanks.

            • [Deactivated] on 10/06/2019 - 21:20

              @EightImmortals: Committees should be outlawed because they don't have enough power???

              It depends on the committee spending limit as to if they can do anything. Mine is $800 (though that's lower than most), anything more needs an AGM or EGM… :\

        • [Deactivated] on 10/06/2019 - 17:18
          +2

          you do deserve the level of security that was there when you signed the lease

          Your lease included a secured parking spot which is no longer secure. You may/should be able to negotiate a reduction in rent until the garage door is fixed. Check with your tenancy organisation.

          • kmish on 10/06/2019 - 18:47

            @[Deactivated]:

            You may/should be able to negotiate a reduction in rent until the garage door is fixed.

            I may tell the owner the same and hopefully get some sort of reimbursement. He's been on the phone to me a couple of times since then, sounds like he's genuinely sorry and surprised that its taken so long for them to take action.

            • Kangal on 10/06/2019 - 21:26
              +3

              @kmish: Can I also suggest that when you get your new/replacement plates, that you don't use the regular screws. From Super Cheap Auto (or other stores/car shops/online) you can get "License Plate Screws".

              They're similar but they screw in reverse and have an anti-tamper groove.
              It's not permanent, you can still unscrew it yourself, as long as you use the special screwdriver/tool that comes in the box (just keep it in your glove box and forget it).

              I'm not sure what is the value of your car, or if you have insurance, but you may also want to think about installing a Lithium Battery in your car and use that for the Black Box/record Dashcam footage when parked (can be continuous, or can turn on if it senses movement, or if the car feels an impact). Though they range from $300 - $1,000 depending on the model and professional fitting. But that may be a cheaper investment than some other accident or vandalism or theft.

  • altomic on 10/06/2019 - 17:01
    +2

    FYI - You know you cant keep driving on interstate plates if you are living in the state for more than 12 months? You also need to change your license. Both are offences that carry fineable offences. Considering you moved in nearly 12 minths ago then you should be changing rego and licence over right about now.

    • kmish on 10/06/2019 - 17:06
      +2

      Long story short, yes I am aware of the law. Partner's car (that we share), in her dad's name who lives in vic, and due to the way the car is used (going back and forth between vic and nsw regularly), it is legal to keep it that way. I changed over my license and motorcycle to NSW within 3 months of moving, thanks though! :)

      • altomic on 11/06/2019 - 15:45
        +1

        cool.
        a friend got done for having an interstate license. it was an expensive lesson.

  • garetz on 10/06/2019 - 17:07
    -3

    Unless there is an emergency then issues like this are dealt with at the annual general meeting, first find out when the meeting is, and where it is, as a renter you can actually goto the meeting and have a say even if you cannot vote as an owner. As for compensation, very highly doubt they will do anything of that nature.

    • bdl on 10/06/2019 - 17:37
      +3

      That's all incorrect.

      • Tenant can't just turn up and speak, has to be nominated by landlord to speak
      • Issues like these can be addressed at any time, not only at AGM
  • [Deactivated] on 10/06/2019 - 18:16

    Yes, you can point the blame at strata for not taking action.

    No, it will not be worth your time to get compensation for replacement plates by getting a ruling against the strata.

    • kmish on 10/06/2019 - 18:46

      No, it will not be worth your time to get compensation for replacement plates by getting a ruling against the strata.

      Thanks for your response mate. I guess all i can do is try

      Yes, you can point the blame at strata for not taking action.

      Definitely going to do this though!

  • JimmyF on 10/06/2019 - 18:43
    +1

    Is it possible for me to get compensation from strata for the issue that they've caused me?

    Crap happens, deal with it and move on.

  • dust on 10/06/2019 - 19:05

    Is the strata liable to provide some sort of action to secure the premises

    No they're not. (But you can request to have some installed - at a cost.)

  • chumlee on 10/06/2019 - 19:14

    You can seek compensation from the landlord but that comes with it's own problems

  • [Deactivated] on 10/06/2019 - 21:33

    Unless you can prove that the plates were stolen by someone that wouldn't have ordinarily had access to them had the door not been broken you'll have zero chance of getting anything from the strata, even then, they'll likely have no liability. If the value is significant the owner is in the best place to pursue this for you, as you have no sway with the strata at all. Pursuing the strata directly will likely backfire big time, they'll probably be more concerned with you than the actual issue they should be resolving.

    Do they have security camera's on the car park?

    • kmish on 10/06/2019 - 22:39

      they'll probably be more concerned with you than the actual issue they should be resolving.

      I'm not sure what you mean by this?

      Do they have security camera's on the car park?

      Nope. None. The garage kept access limited (rolling door with only tenants having "do not copy" remotes), but with the door broken, anyone can walk in /out from the street.

      • [Deactivated] on 11/06/2019 - 13:30

        They'll likely engage a lawyer to tell you to go away, followed by ensuring you're 100% compliant with all by-laws at all times.

        The problem is the door, but if they think you're trying to cost them money, you will be the problem.

        Yes that sucks, but they don't have any motivation to keep you happy. The owner does at least slightly.

  • orangetrain on 11/06/2019 - 08:25
    -1

    Make the committee comply by posting notices asking for your stuff back after it was stolen in carpark. Suddenly the perception of crime wave may lower property values faster than Labor getting elected.

    If you want to go crazy, post more. Smashed window, dingo stole your bike, etc.

  • Euphemistic on 12/06/2019 - 18:12

    When you do replace your plates, get some of the security screws that make it harder to steal them next time.

    • kmish on 13/06/2019 - 09:43

      Already had them man. Going to get them again.

      Apparently they do nothing against powertools.

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