News

In a number of buildings we care for, we have noticed a trend of residents storing various items in areas that are considered common areas. These include car bays, alcoves adjacent to front doors and even walkways. The reality is these items are quite often not only unsightly but also pose a significant safety risk in many ways. The most obvious are those that may cause trips, slips and falls.

Case in point. A complex was being evacuated during a fire drill and an occupant who was exiting their apartment tripped on a shoe rack outside his door, struck his head on the wall and was knocked unconscious. The Strata By-Laws prohibited the shoe rack being there in the first place and it had been reported to the Strata Manager but no further action taken. Had there been an actual fire and the occupant had been injured or killed, the legal ramifications for the Strata Manager/Company could have been massive.

For more information on this and other legal matters, you should contact your company’s legal representatives.