New rules for duplex owners will simplify the day-to-day management of their properties.
The regulation, which commenced on 28 February 2012, allows decisions regarding the management of a duplex to be made by agreement between the owners of the two lots in the duplex, instead of having to go through a formal body corporate meeting and voting process.
Fair Trading executive director Brian Bauer said the changes could benefit more than 13,000 Queenslanders who own lots in residential two-lot schemes, commonly known as duplexes.
“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,” Mr Bauer said.
“This seems crazy when you’re talking about two neighbours managing and making a decision about their adjoining properties. The introduction of this regulation means duplex owners will be provided with a simpler way to manage their properties.”
“For the first time they’ll have the freedom to manage their properties in the way that best suits them.”
Duplex owners still have access to the Office of the Commissioner of Body Corporate and Community Management’s dispute resolution service. Further information on the new regulation is available at justice.qld.gov.au or call 1800 060 119.
