Mackay townhouse and apartment owners are being urged to understand strata law, as disputes over who pays for repairs and upgrades are leaving some with surprise bills in the tens of thousands. From roof repairs to storm damage, owners are finding that costs they assumed were covered by the body corporate can fall to them.
“Disputes over levies, unexpected bills, or delayed repairs are becoming more common in strata communities,” said Archers the Strata Professionals CEO, Nicky Lonergan.
“What looks like a simple water leak can escalate into tens of thousands of dollars and even dispute resolution with the Office of the Commissioner for Body Corporate and Community Management.”
Queensland has more than 52,000 registered strata schemes housing around 1.2 million residents. As buildings age and safety and sustainability expectations rise, conflicts over maintenance versus improvements are increasing.
Mrs Lonergan said confusion often arises from exceptions in the rules.
“Causation, incidental works, improvements, exclusive use, utility infrastructure, and building format plans can shift responsibility in ways owners don’t anticipate,” she explained.
Examples include: flexi hoses, bathroom membranes, incidental works, exclusive use areas, and storm damage – all of which can leave owners footing the bill.
To help, Archers, in partnership with Smart Strata, held a free community education seminar in Mackay on Wednesday, October 15. Using real-world case studies such as balcony leaks, shade sails, and roof replacements, the sessions clarified owner and committee responsibilities and helped prevent costly misunderstandings. Seminars were also held across the Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast, Brisbane, and Cairns.
Nicky Lonergan, CEO of Archers the Strata Professionals. Photo supplied
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