Class 2 Building Maintenance Obligations – Guide for Body Corporates
Class 2 buildings need to be properly maintained, and body corporates are designed for this purpose. It’s important that all residents of class 2 buildings understand what obligations their body corporate has to their building, and what each owner is responsible for. Knowing the difference may save you thousands of dollars.
What is a Class 2 Building?
A Class 2 building is an apartment building, typically a multi-unit residential building, where people can live above and below one another. It can also be two units above a common carpark. Overall, there are 10 different classes of building in Australia.
What Obligations Does a Body Corporate Have in a Class 2 Building?
Body corporates are generally responsible for managing and maintaining the common areas and assets within a class 2 building. They are obligated to control common property, including structural elements, shared facilities, and structural networks. Body corporates also enforce by-laws and legislature, such as fire safety plans. Some of these obligations include:
Pest Control Prevention and Maintenance
In class 2 buildings, pest control expenses are usually shared amongst all of the individual owners. In areas like hallways, entry spaces, gardens and other shared spaces, it is the responsibility of the body corporate to ensure steps are taken to prevent pests and to minimise any damage they might cause.
Fire Safety Plans
Body corporates must enforce any fire safety plans designed specifically for their class 2 building. Common areas need to be kept clear of any obstructions, and extinguishers and other forms of firefighting equipment must be provided. Body corporates are also responsible for ensuring fire alarms are fully functioning in all common areas and are provided in the proper places as determined by state and federal law.
Roofing Structures and Waterproofing
Body corporates are responsible for ensuring the structure of the building’s roof is stable and well-maintained. The membrane needs to remain waterproof and undergo regular maintenance to ensure it remains clean and free of debris which may lead to damage.
External Works Like Painting, Fixing Concrete Spalling etc.
While individual owners are responsible for painting and maintaining their units, body corporates are responsible for keeping the external parts of the building well maintained. They need to ensure any painting, external high-rise repairs, concrete repairs, or other key issues, are regularly carried out. If concrete spalling is discovered, the body corporate must take steps to ensure the concrete remains structurally sound.
Shared Facilities Like Swimming Pools, Lifts, Saunas, and Gyms
Body corporates need to ensure that all shared facilities like swimming pools, lifts, gyms and the like are kept clean and in good working order so every resident can use them at their leisure. The body corporate is also responsible for ensuring these facilities are equipped with the proper safety measures, as determined by state and federal law.
Regularly scheduled high rise building inspections by qualified technicians are crucial to identifying defects early and ensuring maintenance is carried out long before costly damage can occur.
