Now, as we move into 2024, many homeowners find themselves still in opposition to their property.
The property company collects money and is supposed to play the role of a service provider, but the property company actually exercises the function of a manager, which is difficult to agree.
However, as a basic management function, the property management company does not have the relevant rights to grant, so many properties collect money but fail to perform their duties, and restrict or infringe on the rights of owners everywhere.
However, the new property law stipulates that property owners must pay strata fees, otherwise strata companies can sue individuals directly.
However, in 2024, we still need to make it clear that the landlord has the right to refuse or underpay the strata fee under the following circumstances. Let's take a look at what they are.
According to the management measures for property service charges, the property fee includes various expenses such as routine maintenance and cleaning. Even if you buy a house but don't move in, you still have to pay a strata fee according to the latest property law.
However, if you do not hand over the keys, you can avoid paying the strata fee. If you have chosen to take over the house, renovate it, etc., you still need to pay the property fee even though you have not moved in. If you choose not to move in, you can say no to move in when you receive the keys, and negotiate with the property to pay only part of the property fee.
If the owner feels that the property service is not satisfied, or causes personal or property damage, the owner has the right to request compensation or reduction of the property fee from the property management company.
For example, if an electric vehicle is lost in the community, or the vehicle is damaged, and the property does not provide normal performance of responsibility, then sufficient evidence can be provided to negotiate with the property or sue directly, and pay less or no property fees.
Property charges are strictly required and fees that exceed the scope of the contract can be refused.
When paying the property fee, be sure to put forward your own opinions and ask the property management company to provide the relevant income and expenditure statement. Fees that are out of scope can be disputed directly and refused.
If the property management is not in place, whether it is cleaning and other services, the owner has the right to request a reduction or exemption of part of the property fee, but must provide relevant direct evidence to prove that there are problems in the community and ensure that the rights are protected in accordance with the law.
If the original owner owes a strata fee, the new landlord can negotiate with the strata company to reduce or waive part of the strata fee. This requires a thorough discussion with the original homeowner to clarify who will bear the arrears so as not to end up with a lawsuit or dispute.
Of course, there may be slight differences in the rules in each place, but in general, the confrontation between the property and the owner has become quite apparent.
The vast majority of property owners believe that they need a property management company, but as a third party, it is difficult for the property company to clarify its own positioning, whether it is a service provider or a manager, and this ambiguity has existed for many years. In addition, it is difficult for owners to unite against the property company, resulting in increasingly rigid relationships.