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Who is responsible for maintenance in a body corporate scheme

Living in a body corporate scheme comes with a host of benefits, including access to various amenities and facilities as well as sharing the burden of cost in relation to repairs and maintenance of the buildings and common property. In some cases, the body corporate is responsible for maintaining the asset or common property but in other cases, the responsibility can fall back onto the lot owner.

In this article we cover who is responsible for maintenance in a body corporate scheme, shedding light on the roles of individual owners and the body corporate in maintaining both common and private areas. 

Maintenance responsibilities of the body corporate

The body corporate is generally responsible for managing and maintaining the buildings, common areas and facilities within the scheme. These typically include: 

  • Structural and supporting framework of your unit/townhouse
  • Doors and windows on the boundary of a lot
  • Roofing structures and waterproofing membranes
  • External painting and remedial works of the building
  • Hallways, lobbies and foyers
  • Lifts, car stackers and roller doors
  • Swimming pools, gyms, saunas
  • Gardens and landscaping 
  • Driveways and visitor parking areas 

The body corporate is responsible for organising the maintenance in these examples and the works are funded by either your administrative or sinking fund – funds collected by all owners in the form of ongoing levies. See our article about sinking and administrative funds.

Maintenance responsibilities of the lot owner

As the owner of a lot within a body corporate scheme, you are generally responsible for the maintenance and repair within the boundary of your lot. Some examples include: 

  • Plumbing and electrical issues 
  • Maintaining fixtures, fittings, and appliances 
  • Balcony tiles and grout
  • Internal painting 
  • Trees and gardens within exclusive-use courtyards  

It is a requirement under the Act to always maintain and keep your lot in good condition.

How do I know who's responsible for what?

While the responsibility for the maintenance within a body corporate is clear-cut in some examples, situations will always arise that are a little more ‘grey’ in their interpretation.

The structure of all schemes and survey plan boundaries are different in every body corporate. To determine the responsibility of maintenance of a repair in your scheme, you should first obtain a copy of your survey plans from your body corporate manager to determine whether the issue is within the boundary of your lot or on common property. You can also obtain copies of your survey plans from the Queensland Titles Registry.

If responsibility is still unclear, contact your body corporate manager who can work closely with you to interpret the issue, the plans, and the relevant legislation and provide advice on your issue.

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