Living in units or flats

If you live in a flat or unit, you should be aware of the following.

What is a body corporate?

A body corporate is a legal entitiy created when land is subdivided and registered under the Land Title Act 1994 to establish a community titles scheme. The scheme can be a duplex, a residential unit block, a high rise accommodation complex, a shopping complex or a business park.

Every owner of a lot in a community titles scheme is automatically a member of the body corporate. Owners do not have a choice as to whether or not they will be a body corporate member.

The body corporate has a general responsibility to maintain, manage and control the common property for the benefit of owners anc can establish rules for the management and control of common property and body corporate assets.

What are the by-laws I was given at sign-up?

These by-laws are the rules established by the body corporate for the unit complex in which you live. These rules benefit all people living in the complex and concern items such as

• noise,
• behaviour of visitors,
• use of/damage to common property and
• keeping pets

It is a condition of your tenancy agreement that you follow these by-Laws.

Can I get involved in the Body Corporate even though I don't own the unit I live in?

Yes you can, but as you are a tenant in the complex, you don't have the right to vote at any body corporate meetings.