Understanding your rights as a property owner in a sectional title scheme is essential for protecting your interests and maintaining harmony within your community.
What is Sectional Title?
Sectional Title is a form of ownership where you own a specific section of a building (your unit) along with an undivided share in the common property. The common property includes shared facilities such as gardens, parking areas, hallways, and elevators.
Your Rights as a Unit Owner
Right to Enjoy Your Property: You have the right to peaceful enjoyment of your unit, free from unreasonable interference by other owners or the body corporate.
Right to Participate in Governance: As a unit owner, you have the right to attend general meetings and vote on matters affecting the scheme. This includes electing trustees and approving the annual budget.
Right to Access Information: The body corporate must provide you with access to financial records, meeting minutes, and other relevant documents upon request.
Right to Privacy: While the body corporate manages common property, your unit remains your private space. Inspections or access to your unit typically require your permission, except in emergency situations.
Right to Fair Treatment: The body corporate must treat all unit owners fairly and consistently. Rules must be applied equally to everyone.
Your Responsibilities
Levy Payments: You must pay your monthly or annual levies on time. These funds maintain common property and fund services.
Comply with Rules: Unit owners must follow the Conduct Rules of the scheme. These rules ensure peaceful coexistence and protect everyone’s rights.
Maintain Your Unit: You are responsible for maintaining your unit in good condition. Damage to common property caused by negligence may be your liability.
Attend Meetings: While not mandatory, attending body corporate meetings helps you stay informed about scheme matters.
Dispute Resolution
If you have disputes with the body corporate or other owners, the CSOS (Community Schemes Ombud Service) provides free mediation and dispute resolution services. Contact CSOS before pursuing legal action.
For more information about sectional title living and your rights, consult with your body corporate management or seek advice from the CSOS.
