Investigative Journalism and Learning Hub - UPDATED SUMMARY Common property maintenance issues in SP52948 Lot 158 on 7Dec2019

From:	Uniqueco Property ervices, Steve Carbone
To:	SP52948 owner
CC:	Robert Crosbie, Frank Tallaridi
Subject:	Re: UPDATED SUMMARY Common property maintenance issues in SP52948 Lot 158 on 7Dec2019
Date:	9/12/19, 18:23

Hi Robert,

We have answered the issues for Lot 158 and confirm that according to our records we have previously answered all the issues listed, and only the toilet issue is ongoing.

• FOB key for male owner of Lot 158 is not operational in three buildings: Block B, C, and D. There is nothing wrong with the key to need a replacement, it just needs to be enabled for other doors. It is not our intention to chase the staff of Uniqueco Property Services to enable/program the FOB properly.

Previously answered, unfortunately Lot 158 has decided he needs further clarification.  Uniqueco Property Services do not program the FOB.  The FOB needs to be returned, so that a replacement can be issued and when HT Security is next onsite, they will check Lot 158’s FOB for operation.   The FOB is not remotely programmed.  Lot 158 does not need to chase our staff, simply leave the FOB in a marked envelope when passing the Caretaker’s Office, where the Caretaker resides every morning prior to Lot 158 leaving the premises.  If Lot 158 is unable to do this, then he can also leave the FOB with the Security at night.

• Ventilation in one bathroom is below acceptable standards and significantly weaker than in the other bathroom in spite of previous warnings. It used to have the same suction power as in the other bathroom, but it deteriorated over time, especially since June 2018. In our case, we clean up the vents, so that is not a problem. The problem is in the piping or elsewhere.

• Ventilation in laundry is very weak.

With regards to the ventilation, again this was answered previously and Lot 158 was advised on how to resolve.  Please note that all the exhaust fans on A Block roof have been checked and are all working correctly.

• Both smoke detectors are expired and at different times not operational (huge safety and health risk). For 22 years they were managed from owners corporation funds (including replacements for multiple owners in 2018). Waratah Strata Management provided incorrect/misleading/misconstrued statements to owners in March 2019 that smoke alarms were private property and they did not allow their replacements from common funds during their contract. We replied with facts refuting such claim, which were never published for owners.

The smoke detectors issue was discussed and answered at the AGM meeting in October 2019.  Continuing to send the same issues, doesn’t give Lot 158 a difference result.

• Toilet bowl in one bathroom is often sucking water out of bowl and is ongoing since 2011.

This is ongoing with NCB Plumbing and as Lot 158 has previously emailed, he is in direct contact with them.

• Pipes or ventilation in one bathroom is releasing unpleasant smell. It is now daily occurrence.

This is a repeat, please see above.

• Painting on the base of the lighting on the balcony is gone, just two years after major works in the complex.

Please forward photos of the painting that has gone from the base of the lighting on the balcony, as there is no paint on the base of a light, is Lot 158 referring to the ceiling around the light?

• The garage door is often difficult to operate. The door seems to need an adjustment because it is hitting the side wall. Not long ago, the locksmith tried to repair it.

According to our records and your email of 23 June 2019 the issue was as follows:

Please repair common property: Lot 158 garage lock is problematic and often difficult to open. Screws are loose and door knob often creates problem to close the door.

Lock Stock & Barrel Locksmith made contact with Lot 158 and were onsite on Thursday 27th June 2019 to repair/replace the lock.
The locksmith repaired the lock and not the door.   We have made contact with Lock Stock and Barrel Locksmith, who will make contact with Lot 158 to schedule a time/date.

Regards, Steve Carbone
Building Manager
Uniqueco Property Services
Macquarie Gardens
1-15 Fontenoy Road
NORTH RYDE  NSW 2113

On 8 Dec 2019, at 8:44 pm, Robert Crosbie wrote:

Steve,

For your attention.

Regards,

Robert Crosbie

Waratah Strata Management

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From: Lot 158

Sent: Saturday, 7 December 2019 9:38 AM

To: Robert Crosbie ; Frank Tallaridi

Subject: UPDATED SUMMARY Common property maintenance issues in SP52948 Lot 158 on 7Dec2019

Good morning,

Three attempts were made in last month to resolve the issue with the toilet bowl in one bathroom. Whilst the plumbing staff were very co-operative and friendly, the fact is that none of actions helped.

From what we understand, the new toilet bowl will be replaced within next week or so. For the sake of evidence and strata records, the situation with awful smell that appears to come through pipes or ceiling ventilation, and water disappearing in the toilet bowl is now more frequent than ever before. Yesterday, the foul smell occurred three times during the day. It is an appalling, third-world sewage type of event. Video and photo evidence is being collected. In addition, regular updates to the plumber are provided by phone conversations and SMS.

Here is summary of outstanding tasks for Lot 158:

• FOB key for male owner of Lot 158 is not operational in three buildings: Block B, C, and D. There is nothing wrong with the key to need a replacement, it just needs to be enabled for other doors. It is not our intention to chase the staff of Uniqueco Property Services to enable/program the FOB properly.

• Ventilation in one bathroom is below acceptable standards and significantly weaker than in the other bathroom in spite of previous warnings. It used to have the same suction power as in the other bathroom, but it deteriorated over time, especially since June 2018. In our case, we clean up the vents, so that is not a problem. The problem is in the piping or elsewhere.

• Ventilation in laundry is very weak.

• Both smoke detectors are expired and at different times not operational (huge safety and health risk). For 22 years they were managed from owners corporation funds (including replacements for multiple owners in 2018). Waratah Strata Management provided incorrect/misleading/misconstrued statements to owners in March 2019 that smoke alarms were private property and they did not allow their replacements from common funds during their contract. We replied with facts refuting such claim, which were never published for owners.

• Toilet bowl in one bathroom is often sucking water out of bowl and is ongoing since 2011.

• Pipes or ventilation in one bathroom is releasing unpleasant smell. It is now daily occurrence.

• Painting on the base of the lighting on the balcony is gone, just two years after major works in the complex.

• The garage door is often difficult to operate. The door seems to need an adjustment because it is hitting the side wall. Not long ago, the locksmith tried to repair it.

Thank you.

Matter of priority for health and safety reasons.

Since 2011 Lot 158 has occasional problems with the foul smell and/or dropped water level in one of the toilets (see attachments). Three attempts were made in 2011 and 2014. Things become worse in 2019.

Video and photo evidence was taken again today.

Latest two repairs/assessments in November 2019 seemingly did not appear to have helped because overnight the water level in the same toilet dropped again. Luckily, the smell is not present yet, which would be terrible since ventilation in the bathroom is below acceptable levels and not repaired as per previous requests.

Bad smell was present, without water level dropping in the toilet last week and the plumber was notified last week.

It is requested that plumber visit Lot 158 this morning to witness the status and maybe find the cause of the problem. We cannot risk not flushing the toilet to raise the water level for too long.

Thank you.