News

Fire Safety Amendements-1st July 2009

 Fire Safety measures include fire mains and water supply services  

•                   
• fire doors
• fire hose reels
• fire extinguishers
• fire hydrants
• smoke detectors and alarms
• automatic sprinkler systems
• emergency lighting
• exit lighting & signs

An appropriately qualified person, such as a Fire Engineer or Building Surveyor, must inspect the fire safety measures and provide a Fire Safety Installation Certificate to the owners.  This certificate must then be provided to the local council and Fire Brigade each year and a copy displayed in a prominent location within the strata building. 

Lot owners must also by law have installed a smoke detector which must be serviced on a regular basis, to comply with Fire Legislation. Bodies corporate will be responsible for the servicing of any fire equipment, signs, contained within the common property.

Insurance Building Valuations:

Recent changes to the Legislation, states that all bodies corporate must have a building replacement valuation completed by the 1st September 2009, if they have not already done so. It must then be renewed every 5 years, to comply with Legislation. Building Valuations are completed by a Quantity Surveyor, and are a complete bricks and mortar replacement of the building, common area and boundary fencing. This figure is required so that the body corporate can adequately insure the building allowing for increase to current building costs. Extra funds are also allocated in the report. These include, removal of debris, loss of rental income, accommodation. It is recommended that if your complex has not had a valuation prepared recently that it must do so as soon as possible.Lot owners must note, they still must obtain internal insurance for their personal effects, floor coverings, furniture etc. It is also advised that if the unit is being rented that a Landlords Insurance also be taken out. Your Real Estate agent will advise in regard to this policy.