If you live in a strata scheme, you know all too well how hard it can be to find the right answers to strata-related issues. There are so many rules and regulations to wade through, and legislation is often updated and amended. This can make it difficult to understand which rules apply and how they apply to your specific situation.
Tim Sara, our Associate Director of Client Management, is no stranger to these types of enquiries. With over a decade of experience delivering excellent strata management services and a reputation across the industry as a thought leader and an expert in all things strata, he’s able to provide clarity for those struggling with tough questions. Here’s what he had to say in response to a question regarding fire safety inspections in a recent Q&A with LookUpStrata.
Q: Owners have been given a small window during a weekday for a fire safety inspection. Is the owners corporation required to arrange accesses on a day suitable for each occupant?
My partner’s strata has set a date and time for a fire inspection. It’s a two-hour window on a weekday, and my partner isn’t available. Although she has provided alternative days, the owners corporation advised they cannot change the date. The only option is for owners to leave a spare key with a committee member.
Surely, apartment access would be similar to that of a renter, where they must organise a suitable time for access.
A: Contact the fire safety company directly. They may have some flexibility.
Fire safety inspections are typically coordinated for the entire building, which includes many residents with varied schedules. Finding a time that suits everyone’s needs can be challenging, especially since these inspections are often booked well in advance to ensure compliance with safety regulations.
While the date is fixed to streamline the process for the whole building, one possible solution is to contact the fire safety company directly. They may have some flexibility, such as inspecting earlier in the morning when they are already on-site or visiting at another time if they have other inspections nearby. Alternatively, leaving keys with a trusted neighbour is a common solution that ensures your apartment can still be inspected.
Though the inconvenience is understood, fire safety compliance is critical, and your cooperation ensures the building remains safe for everyone.
Our Strata Management Team prides themselves on their attention to detail and knowledge of strata legislation, which allows them to achieve the best possible outcomes for their clients. They are committed to remaining at the forefront of the industry, building their expertise, and finding new ways to add value to the communities they manage.
If you want your strata scheme managed by an effective and responsive team that specialises in creating thriving communities, contact us today for your FREE quote.