Request a proposal

Who is responsible for maintenance in a body corporate

September 4, 2023

Home » Maintenance » Who is responsible for maintenance in a body corporate

A personal approach
to body corporate management

Relationships are the foundation of our business, built on the understanding that every client is unique, not just at a body corporate level, but as individuals.

That’s why we take the time to listen, tailoring our management approach to suit every person, their communication style and business preferences.

Receive an obligation
free proposal

We'll need to get some details about your building. Let us know the best time to contact you.

Name

Email*

Phone*

Contact time

Building name

Building address

Request a body corporate proposal

Who is responsible for maintenance in a body corporate scheme

Living in a body corporate scheme comes with a host of benefits, including access to various amenities and facilities as well as sharing the burden of cost in relation to repairs and maintenance of the buildings and common property. In some cases, the body corporate is responsible for maintaining the asset or common property but in other cases, the responsibility can fall back onto the lot owner.

In this article we cover who is responsible for maintenance in a body corporate scheme, shedding light on the roles of individual owners and the body corporate in maintaining both common and private areas.

Maintenance responsibilities of the body corporate

The body corporate is generally responsible for managing and maintaining the buildings, common areas and facilities within the scheme. These typically include:

Structural and supporting framework of your unit/townhouse
Doors and windows on the boundary of a lot
Roofing structures and waterproofing membranes
External painting and remedial works of the building
Hallways, lobbies and foyers
Lifts, car stackers and roller doors
Swimming pools, gyms, saunas
Gardens and landscaping
Driveways and visitor parking areas

The body corporate is responsible for organising the maintenance in these examples and the works are funded by either your administrative or sinking fund – funds collected by all owners in the form of ongoing levies. See our article about sinking and administrative funds.

Maintenance responsibilities of the lot owner

As the owner of a lot within a body corporate scheme, you are generally responsible for the maintenance and repair within the boundary of your lot. Some examples include:

Plumbing and electrical issues
Maintaining fixtures, fittings, and appliances
Balcony tiles and grout
Internal painting
Trees and gardens within exclusive-use courtyards

It is a requirement under the Act to always maintain and keep your lot in good condition.

How do I know who's responsible for what?

While the responsibility for the maintenance within a body corporate is clear-cut in some examples, situations will always arise that are a little more ‘grey’ in their interpretation.

The structure of all schemes and survey plan boundaries are different in every body corporate. To determine the responsibility of maintenance of a repair in your scheme, you should first obtain a copy of your survey plans from your body corporate manager to determine whether the issue is within the boundary of your lot or on common property. You can also obtain copies of your survey plans from the Queensland Titles Registry.

If responsibility is still unclear, contact your body corporate manager who can work closely with you to interpret the issue, the plans, and the relevant legislation and provide advice on your issue.

Pets

5 Videos