When you live in a property governed by a body corporate, it’s important to understand what they are responsible for. What does the body corporate handle, and what falls under individual responsibility? Knowing this can make your life easier and prevent confusion later on.
Body corporate responsibilities often extend beyond the individual owner’s scope of care. They ensure shared spaces and communal services are maintained. In this article, we’ll explore the key property areas that fall under the body corporate’s responsibility. This knowledge can help you clarify expectations and keep your property in top shape.
Common Areas
Common areas, such as hallways, staircases, and gardens, are shared by multiple owners within a property complex. The body corporate is responsible for their upkeep, including cleaning, repairs, and safety compliance. This ensures that the areas meet safety regulations and provide a high standard of living for all residents.
It’s important for owners to remember that maintenance and repair of common areas typically fall under the jurisdiction of the body corporate. It may be a leaking roof or a broken lift. In any case, these issues are usually the body corporate’s responsibility.
Building Exterior
The exterior of the building, including its structure, facade, roof, and windows, is another area the body corporate is typically responsible for. This includes external paintwork, cladding, and ensuring the building’s exterior is weatherproof and secure. Owners should not assume responsibility for the upkeep of these elements unless specifically outlined in their agreement.
For example, if there’s a structural problem with the walls or roof, the body corporate would handle repairs. This ensures that the property remains protected from the elements. It’s essential for owners to be aware of these boundaries to avoid confusion over maintenance obligations.
Plumbing and Drainage Systems
The plumbing and drainage systems that serve the entire complex are generally under the body corporate’s control. This includes all pipes, drains, and sewers that extend beyond individual units and serve common areas. Regular maintenance is essential to prevent blockages and ensure proper functionality.
In case of blockages or repairs needed to the system, such as a leak in a shared pipe, the body corporate takes charge of repairs. However, if an issue arises within an individual unit, the owner is generally responsible for resolving it. This division ensures that plumbing infrastructure is handled efficiently without placing undue pressure on individual owners.
Insurance Coverage
The body corporate is responsible for taking out insurance on the entire building, covering common areas and the structure of the property. This insurance typically includes damage caused by natural disasters, fire, or vandalism. It also protects against other risks that could affect the entire building.
However, owners must ensure they have separate insurance for their own unit’s contents and personal liability. Body corporate responsibilities in relation to insurance ensure that the communal and structural aspects of the property are adequately covered. This coverage protects residents from potential risks affecting shared areas and the building’s structure.
Shared Utility Systems
Shared utility systems, such as electricity, gas, and water, are another responsibility of the body corporate. These systems serve multiple units and common areas, so the body corporate is tasked with maintaining these utilities and ensuring their functionality. Consistent checks allow for early detection and resolution of issues, preventing them from escalating.
This includes managing and paying for the costs of these utilities that are shared among residents. In some cases, the body corporate might handle the installation of green energy solutions, like solar panels. They are also responsible for maintaining these systems, ensuring they benefit all residents.
Pest Control and Cleaning Services
Regular pest control and cleaning services for the shared areas are part of the body corporate’s duties. This includes periodic treatments to prevent infestations of pests such as rodents or termites. It also involves ensuring the cleanliness of common spaces like corridors, entryways, and amenity areas.
By hiring professional services, the body corporate can maintain a comfortable and hygienic environment for all residents. Pest control is an essential aspect of property maintenance that goes hand in hand with the overall upkeep of shared spaces. Regular treatments help prevent problems before they arise.
Security and Safety Features
Security and safety features are essential for ensuring the well-being of all residents in a property complex. The body corporate is typically responsible for the installation and maintenance of these systems. That includes surveillance cameras, gated access, security lighting, and alarm systems.
It is also the body corporate’s responsibility to ensure that fire safety equipment, such as fire extinguishers and smoke alarms, is properly installed and maintained. These features are essential for the safety of residents and are part of the body corporate responsibilitie. They ensure a secure living environment.
Understanding body corporate responsibilities is crucial for residents in a shared property, as it helps clarify what the body corporate handles and what individual owners are accountable for. By knowing these responsibilities, residents can ensure that common areas are maintained, safety features are in place, and utilities are managed effectively. It’s important to stay informed so that the living environment remains well-maintained, secure, and comfortable for all.
