Strata Taking Month+ to Approve Repairs. I Can't Rent out Property

LMrTruffle on 29/04/2021 - 21:04
Last edited 29/04/2021 - 23:24 by 1 other user

I had prepared my place to be rented out but there was a leak. A builder came and put a hole in the roof to inspect damage and found the issue. Told strata who the proceeded to get quotes.

The hole was put in 45 days ago and I'm still waiting with no ETA when it will be fixed. I can't rent this place out with a hole in the roof.

Is there a way I can get it fixed and have them pay for it or a hurry up clause?

I've sent multiple emails asking for update and even offered to pay half if there was a speedy fix (but that time frame passed weeks ago)

Quite frustrating because I'm not given any info or timeframe. They changed from 'the builders are getting quotes' to 'other people had leaks so now checking on them'

• 

  TehKirk on 29/04/2021 - 21:20

  +2

  Get your own quote and if the rent your losing out on is greater than the cost to fix the hole then just get it fixed and chase strata later.

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  [Deactivated] on 29/04/2021 - 21:26

  +4

  Check whether your landlord insurance (if you have it) covers this situation or perhaps strata insurance

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  AndyC1 on 29/04/2021 - 21:55

  +1

  If you are in NSW start checking out the following:
  https://www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au/housing-and-property/stra…

  Then ring NSW fair trading up for what options are available to you, BUT be aware that they do NOT give advice, they give you info as to what options are available and then use these to ask how long/cost/effort each of these options would take.

  If you are in another state then try to find the univalent to the above NSW fairtradingthat looks after strata in your state.

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  apple2016 on 29/04/2021 - 22:57

  +2

  Tell then you want to move in and you can’t and ask them to arrange alternative accomodating. Hopefully they would get on with it quickly?

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  CheapSticks on 30/04/2021 - 07:39

  Am wondering if NSW Office of Fair trading wud say that in this case strata should compensate you for loss rent…may be speak to them about it and them drop email to strata manager and copy committee reps…

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  spal on 30/04/2021 - 08:47

  +2

  Hole in the ceiling should be a plaster and paint job. Depending on who you get might cost less than $500 for a handyman to fix. I would suggest that your loss of rental income would already be higher than that. You can get it fixed and send the invoice to BC. Probably also get three quotes, and go with the cheapest. Put it all in an email with the history of the issue, number of contacts by you, and the financial loss you have borne. Tell them unless they pay the invoice, that you will be adjusting the repair charges from their next fee payment. Be polite. Hopefully that should resolve it. Also, definitely speaking with fair trading in your state.

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  screensaver on 30/04/2021 - 10:07

  get a lawyer as you are losing money

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  MrTruffle on 30/04/2021 - 17:39

  Thanks. Yeah The hole in the roof is to access where the leak comes in. So when they fix the leak elsewhere (above in a patio) they can check the leak is fixed

  I'm going to press them and just say I'll get it done and charge them. I cant wait and it's so silly now

  thanks all

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  GnarlyKnuckles on 01/05/2021 - 02:57

  Mmmyeah … Yet another example of why if you're going to buy property (anywhere, anytime), just don't buy anything except a freehold patch of dirt with a free-standing house already on it. 'Strata', 'body corporate'/etc. is simply a recipe for absolute disaster, and perpetual 'slavery-to-the-man'/rorting. I would much rather own (as in, 'proper own') a modest/crap little freestanding joint, than 'pretend to own' a much bigger place that was actually run by/subject to the ever changing whims and regulations of a 'body corporate'.

  Sell it.

  Buy some land that you actually own.

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  Misterman86 on 30/05/2022 - 11:19

  @mrtruffle - where did you get with this? I’m in a very similar situation and am researching what my options are !