Christmas light up concerns for unit owners
Residents in strata units and apartments could be in trouble with their body corporate if they don’t consider the consequences of irresponsible Christmas decorating, warns Archers Body Corporate Management.
Residents are urged to seek approval or clarification from their body corporate before decorating this Christmas to avoid holiday heartbreak if the building’s by-laws regulate certain decorations and lights. Archer’s Body Corporate Management strata manager Wayne Hewitt, said most unit owners and tenants were not aware of the possible repercussions of decorating unadvised.
“Most bodies corporate have by-laws prohibiting additions to the exterior of the building, including hanging Christmas decorations and lights from balconies and windows,” Mr Hewitt said. “No one wants to be a Grinch at Christmas, but residents could face action being taken against them and could create dangerous situations if there are faults with the decorations or wild weather.”
Mr Hewitt said unit owners should always check with their body corporate to ensure they are following the rules. “Approaching the body corporate early on and seeking approval for your display can ensure that the Christmas spirit stays strong and all residents have a safe and happy festive season. The body corporate can advise on the extent of decoration, how long they can be displayed and where they can be displayed.”
Mr Hewitt said residents in units and apartments should take the following steps on board when decorating this Christmas:
• Check with your body corporate before putting up your Christmas decorations to ensure you’re not in breach of any by-laws.
• Before you install Christmas lights, check over the cables to ensure they are not faulty. Faulty lights can be the cause of fires which can not only affect your property but the entire building.
• If you have approval to decorate your balcony ensure that decorations are secured well so they won’t be a hazard in strong wind or summer storms.
• Ensure that your decorations do not block any walkways or emergency exit points of the building and are not on common property.
• Make sure you adhere to your body corporate’s prescribed time lines and guidelines for how long decorations can be displayed.
