Body Corporate Responsibilities: What Repairs Are Covered?

Body Corporate Responsibilities: What Repairs Are Covered?

Body Corporate living offers numerous perks, including shared amenities and reduced maintenance costs. However, it is important to understand who may be responsible for maintenance and repairs.

Responsibility differs between Format Plans – Building Format Plan (BFP) and Standard Format Plan (SFP).

Building Format Plan (BFP): Imagine a high-rise apartment building. Your apartment is defined by its walls, floors, and ceilings. These are the boundaries of your property.

Standard Format Plan (SFP): Think of a townhouse complex. Your property is defined by markers on the ground or by the outer edges of the building, indicating a lot boundary.

Essentially, the difference lies in how your property is measured and defined.

Generally, the body corporate oversees the upkeep of common property areas such as gardens, pools, and building exteriors. Owners are typically responsible for maintaining their areas that fall within their lot boundaries.

But it’s not always straightforward. This article breaks down who does what, clarifying the roles of both the body corporate and lot owners in maintaining your property.

The body corporate is responsible for managing and maintaining the shared common property areas of your scheme. This typically includes:

• Building structures: Exterior walls, roof, and foundation.
• Common areas: Hallways, lobbies, lifts, and staircases.
• Facilities: Swimming pools, gyms, and communal gardens.
• External elements: Driveways, carparks, and external lighting.

These costs are covered by regular levies paid by all owners. For more details on how these funds are managed and saved for future expenses, check out our article on Understanding Sinking Funds: Essential for Body Corporate Management

As a lot owner, you’re responsible for maintaining the interior and exclusive areas of your property. This includes:

• Internal fittings: Plumbing, electrical systems, and appliances.
• Finishes: Flooring, tiles, paint, and fixtures.
• Private outdoor areas: Balconies (not inclusive of balustrades), courtyards, and gardens.

Maintaining your lot in good condition is essential for upholding the overall appearance and value of your scheme, as well as keeping in line with your individual obligations under the Act.

In determining maintenance responsibility, each body corporate is unique.

To clarify who’s responsible:

• Check your survey plans: These will show the boundaries of your lot and the common property. You can obtain copies from your body corporate manager or the Queensland Titles Registry. For schemes under our management, copies of plans can be ordered via https://stratasphere.com.au/forms-links/search-request-fee-form/
• Consult your body corporate manager: We can help interpret the plans and advise on who should be responsible for the cost of repairs, based on the body corporate’s rules and regulations. Our office can be contacted via https://stratasphere.com.au/contact-us/
• If you’re still unsure: Seek professional legal guidance or assistance through the Office of the Commissioner, but be mindful, they may only provide you with general advice.