Strata living is becoming increasingly popular in Victoria, offering a balance of private ownership and shared responsibilities. Whether you live in an apartment block, townhouse complex, or any other strata-titled property, a question that frequently arises: Who is responsible for repairs and maintenance? This can be a point of confusion for many property owners and residents.

In this article, you will learn how repairs and maintenance responsibilities are divided in strata properties in Victoria, with an emphasis on how strata management in Victoria plays a vital role in managing these tasks.

 Understanding Strata Management in Victoria

Strata properties operate under a unique system of ownership, where individual owners own their respective lots and share the common property ownership. Common property can include areas like hallways, stairwells, elevators, gardens, and recreational facilities like pools or gyms.

Strata management referred to as owners’ corporation management is responsible for maintaining and managing these common areas. This system ensures that the day-to-day maintenance, repairs, and long-term upkeep of the property are conducted efficiently, helping to preserve the building's overall value and the owners' quality of life.

 Common Property vs. Lot Property: Who is Responsible?

 When it comes to repairs and maintenance in strata living, the first step is to determine whether the area in need of repair is part of the common property or the individual lot. The distinction between these two property types is crucial, as it determines who is responsible for the maintenance work.

 Common Property

 Common property refers to shared areas within the strata plan. This can include external walls, roofing, driveways, shared gardens, and facilities like pools, gyms, or communal laundries. In Victoria, repairs and maintenance for common property are the responsibility of the owners’ corporation. This body, guided by the strata management team, collects funds through levies or fees from lot owners to cover maintenance and repair costs.

 Individual Lots

 The individual lot is the private space owned by a lot owner. Owners are responsible for maintaining and repairing everything within their lot, including plumbing, electrical systems, and internal walls.

he challenge lies in defining the exact boundaries between the lot and common property. For instance, a leaking pipe might affect the common property and an individual lot, leading to questions about who should bear the repair cost.

 Common Repair and Maintenance Issues

 Roof Leaks

 Roof leaks are the most common repair issues in strata properties. If the leak is coming from a part of the roof that forms part of the common property, it is the responsibility of

the owners’ corporation to repair it. If the leak affects an area inside an individual lot, the responsibility may lie with the owner.

 Windows

 The responsibility for repairing and maintaining windows in strata properties can vary. Windows and external window frames are considered part of the common property, which means that repairs would fall under the owners’ corporation's duties. Cleaning and minor maintenance of windows, like replacing fly screens, is the responsibility of the lot owner.

Plumbing and Electrical Systems

Plumbing and electrical systems in strata properties can be complicated because they run through individual lots and common property. For instance, a water pipe that services multiple apartments may be considered common property, in which case the owners’ corporation would be responsible for repairs. Plumbing fixtures inside an individual apartment, like sinks or toilets, are the lot owner’s responsibility.

Common area lighting and electrical systems are maintained by the owners’ corporation, whereas the internal electrical systems within a lot fall under the owner’s responsibility.

 The Role of Strata Management in Victoria

Effective strata management in Victoria plays a critical role in ensuring that repair and maintenance tasks are carried out in a timely and efficient manner. Strata managers are professionals who help oversee the everyday operations of a strata property, including organising repairs, hiring contractors, and managing the owners’ corporation's finances. Their goal is to ensure the property is well-maintained and all owners are aware of their responsibilities regarding maintenance and repairs.

 Conclusion

 Strata living offers many benefits, but it also comes with shared responsibilities when it comes to repairs and maintenance. Understanding the distinction between common property and individual lots is crucial for determining who is responsible for maintenance tasks. The owners’ corporation, guided by strata management in Victoria, is responsible

for repairs to common property, while individual owners are responsible for the maintenance of their lots.

If you’re unsure about your responsibilities or facing a repair issue in your strata property, consult your strata manager or refer to your strata plan and by-laws. Strata management teams help streamline the process and ensure that all repair and maintenance duties are properly managed, keeping the property well-maintained and enhancing the quality of life for all residents.