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Posted 11 September 2019
Category: Strata
Embedded networks, in a strata context, involve installation, during the construction phase, of infrastructure required for delivery of various utilities and services, which is owned by a third party, rather than the owners corporation. Typically, this involves electricity, but other services can be involved, e.g. solar electricity or heating, gas, heating, air conditioning, potable water, hot water, chilled water for cooling, telephone, internet access, storm water and waste removal systems.
Embedded networks are becoming more and more common in strata developments and more and more new lot owners are becoming aware too late what an expensive trap these can be. In some cases, these appear intended to pass on development costs and squeeze substantial additional amounts out of owners corporations and occupiers, using contracts negotiated by the developer and ratified by the owners corporation at the first AGM, at a point where other lot owners are disadvantaged by complex arrangements which they don’t understand, lack of adequate disclosure, the strata manager likely having been appointed by the developer and being unable to provide proper advice and a perception that there is no practical alternative, the infrastructure already being in place and services being required urgently.
In these cases, the owners corporation soon realises that:
The NSW Government has taken some measures to address these issues, but as presently framed, they are largely ineffective. In particular:
We have suggested a legislative reform package aimed at addressing these issues.
These suggestions are aimed at levelling the current unfair playing field as between developers and “off the plan” purchasers, by measures including:
We have received a sympathetic response from the Government, indicating that the Government will consider these suggestions as part of a broader review.
We greatly appreciate that response. However, given the enormous problem this issue represents for owners corporations and lot owners and that unsuspecting purchasers are currently purchasing strata apartments subject to such arrangements, urgent action is required.
If you are having difficulties with an embedded network in your scheme, we have considerable experience and expertise in this area and can help you.
***The information contained in this article is general information only and not legal advice. The currency, accuracy and completeness of this article (and its contents) should be checked by obtaining independent legal advice before you take any action or otherwise rely upon its contents in any way.