Navigating the complexities of strata living often raises various questions and uncertainties, particularly concerning maintenance and renovations. One prevalent query we frequently address at Elite Painting is “Who is responsible in a strata unit for internal painting?”
This blog seeks to dispel the confusion that commonly surrounds property upkeep within the realm of strata living, focusing on painting.We advocate for a straightforward approach to understanding the responsibilities, rights, and procedures involved in strata painting, and we’re here to guide you through every step.
What is Strata Living?
Strata living presents a unique form of communal living, where individual ownership intersects within a collective environment. In this arrangement, the strata unit you purchase or lease is your own, yet it operates within a communal framework governed by specific by-laws under the strata scheme. This setup often leads to misunderstandings, particularly regarding who is accountable for maintenance tasks, such as painting the internal walls of your unit.
Understanding the division between private property and common property is crucial.Typically, the interior of your unit, including internal walls and doors falls under your jurisdiction as the individual lot owner.
However, the owners’ corporation or body corporate is responsible for the exterior, common walls, external painting, and areas that are considered ‘common property’ in the apartment building, such as driveways and main areas.
Understanding Strata By-Laws and Legislation
The foundation of responsibilities in a strata building is laid out in the strata by-laws and state legislation, such as the Strata Titles Act in Western Australia. These documents clearly outline the maintenance tasks that fall to the individual owners and those that are the responsibility of the strata management, including the owners’ corporation or body corporate.
While painting your unit’s internal surfaces generally lies with you, the individual unit owner, nuances in the by-laws can modify this general rule.
Who is Responsible in a Strata Unit for Internal Painting?
The primary responsibility for internal painting usually rests with the individual owners of the strata unit. This includes the internal walls, ceilings, and internal doors of their unit.
However, for renters, this situation may vary, with strata repairs and minor renovations potentially falling under the strata manager’s purview.
Yet, significant changes, such as a major renovation or repairs involving painting, typically require the landlord’s (or individual unit owner’s) consent and often need an approval process through the strata committee.
How to Proceed With Painting
Before embarking on an internal painting project, reviewing your strata scheme’s by-laws is crucial. Some schemes require the strata committee’s approval for alterations, including interior painting, especially if there’s a potential impact on the building’s appearance or structural integrity. Compliance with colour schemes or other restrictions may also be necessary. The recommended steps include:
- Review the by-laws to understand any restrictions or approval requirements.
- Submit a request to the strata committee if approval is needed, outlining your plans.
- Choose professional painting services that are familiar with strata regulations to ensure compliance and quality.
Our team at Elite Painting have the skills and experience to be able to complete your interior painting project to the highest quality and ensure the result complies with ease.
Tips for Smooth Coordination
Effective communication is the cornerstone of living happily in your strata building. Clear discussions with your strata committee and neighbours, with plenty of notice with the initial painting plan before the renovation process starts can prevent misunderstandings and foster a supportive community atmosphere.
Engaging professional painting services, like Elite Painting, ensures that the job complies with strata by-laws and is completed to a high standard, minimising potential disputes. Understanding and respecting everyone’s rights and responsibilities pave the way for smooth project execution.
Ensure Strata Compliance with Elite Painting
When exploring the question of “Who is responsible in a strata unit for internal painting?” it becomes evident that, typically, the responsibility for painting the interior of a unit lies with the strata unit owner. In contrast, maintenance and repairs of common areas and the building’s exterior walls fall to the strata building owner.
Successfully managing these responsibilities demands a thorough understanding of your strata’s by-laws, effective communication, and, at times, professional advice. Keeping informed and actively participating in your strata community not only helps in maintaining your property but also fosters a cohesive living environment.
At Elite Painting, our team of Dulux-accredited painters possesses the necessary expertise to effortlessly handle the stringent regulations associated with strata painting. Recognised as some of Perth’s finest professional painters, we are equipped to tackle projects of any scale or complexity. Get in touch with our team to get a quote today and figure out how our team can help you.