New rules for duplex owners will simplify the day to day management of their properties. A duplex is a small townhouse or apartment block comprising two separately titled residential units.
The new regulations commenced on 28 February 2012 and allow decisions regarding the management of the duplex to be made by agreement between the owners of the two lots in the duplex. This informal process takes the place of a formal Body Corporate meeting involving voting processes and minutes.
The Department of Fair Trading executive director says that there are more than 13,000 Queenslanders owning lots in duplexes. Mr Bauer said – “In the past there was no differentiation between duplex schemes and larger multi-unit complexes. Owners of duplex properties needed to prepare annual budgets, maintain administration and sinking funds, and make decisions using the same formal Body Corporate meeting and voting process as is required of their larger cousins. This seems crazy when you are talking about two neighbours managing and making a decision about their adjoining properties.”
The new informal process allows duplex owners the freedom to manage their properties in the most suitable and convenient manner.
Duplex owners will still have access to the Office of the Commissioner of Body Corporate and Community Managements Dispute Resolution Service, in the unlikely event that a dispute arises.
If you want further information on this or any other matter involving units, town houses or Body Corporates, simply contact us.
