Hi All,
I own a 2 bedroom unit in Melbourne which is 1 of 4 on a block of 1400sqm in bayside which is completely freestanding. By freestanding I mean the side boundaries connect to each neighbours outdoor areas – there are no shared walls.
The unit has a separate kitchen and I am looking to convert the kitchen to a bedroom and put the kitchen in the living area (open plan kitchen). There is also a separate laundry and I am looking to convert this to a second bathroom and renovate the existing bathroom and put the laundry in this bathroom.
My key question is this: how do I check if I need body corporate approval for these works? All the works will be within the internal walls of my demise. However, the gas and water pipes will need to be moved. I am ok with spending $ on the works but a showstopper for this project for me would be if I had to deal with getting body corporate approval as it would be a slow and painful process dealing with the other 3 units.
Please can someone assist who has had experience of doing this type of renovation in Melbourne?
How do I check if approval is needed? Is there a specific document that governs the body corporate? I can’t find any by-law document from when I purchased the unit.
http://classic.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/vic/consol_act/oca2006260/
Terryw | Structuring Lawyers Pty Ltd / Loan Structuring Pty Ltd
http://www.Structuring.com.au
Email MeLawyer, Mortgage Broker and Tax Advisor (Sydney based but advising Aust wide) http://www.Structuring.com.au
I have just brought up the owners corporation search included in the initial auction contract.
It outlines:
Limitations on Owners Corporation: Unlimited
Rules: Model Rules apply unless a matter is provided for in owners Corporation Rules. See Section 139(3) Owners Corporation Act 2006
Owners Corporation Rules: NIL
Notations: NILBased on the model rules provided below it appears as I am not interrupting the quiet enjoyment of the other lot owners and given I am only doing works within my demise (not touching any shared areas) I should be ok. How do I make sure I am ok before formally going ahead?
According to:
https://www.propertyandlandtitles.vic.gov.au/land-titles/owners-corporations
All owners corporations have rules for the control, management and use of common property and lots. The rules cover day-to-day issues such as safety, parking and noise.
If an owners corporation does not make its own rules, a set of model rules which are outlined in the Owners Corporations Regulations 2007 (Schedule 2)
As a lot owner in an owners corporation (formerly body corporate), you:
are entitled to renovate or refurbish the interior of your apartment or unit. You must notify your owners corporation if the renovations require a building or planning permit
must keep the exterior of your lot in ‘good and serviceable repair’. Its appearance must not affect other lot owners’ use and enjoyment of the property.
You must be logged in to reply to this topic. If you don't have an account, you can register here.
