Water leakage issues spark conflict as owners' corporation faces accountability questions

A dispute emerged within a New South Wales strata scheme regarding the maintenance responsibilities for the balcony area of a unit. The balcony, initially an open space, was altered by enclosing a part and installing new flooring. The alterations led to water leakage issues affecting the unit directly below.

Background

A strata scheme was established following construction of a 6 unit multi-storey building. Each of the units were made lots in the strata scheme. The units each had an open balcony which were built to allow rain landing in the balcony area to run off with a fall toward the open edge of the balcony and away from the building.

Later, the owner of one of the lots carried out renovations, partially enclosing his balcony and installed new floor tiles.