Question 1

What is meant by my unit’s PQ (participation quota)?

Accepted Answer

Your participation quota (PQ) is your share of the scheme, usually shown as a decimal to four places (for example 0.0485). It is based on your section’s floor area relative to the whole complex. Levies are typically calculated by multiplying the monthly budget by your PQ. PQ also affects your share of the scheme’s insurance allocation. PQ figures appear on the sectional title plans and are available from your managing agent.

Question 2

Can I deduct amounts from my monthly levy (for example lift, gardens, or refuse bags)?

Accepted Answer

No. Each owner is responsible for the body corporate’s costs according to their PQ. Shared services such as lifts, gardening, and refuse collection apply to the scheme as a whole; you cannot unilaterally deduct line items from your levy.

Question 3

Am I allowed to have an animal in a sectional title scheme?

Accepted Answer

It depends on your scheme’s conduct rules. Some bodies corporate amend rules to restrict animals; amended rules filed with the Deeds Office are binding. Under standard conduct rules you generally need written trustee permission to keep an animal, reptile, or bird. Trustees may impose reasonable conditions and can withdraw consent if the animal becomes a nuisance.

Question 4

Can trustees impose special levies on owners?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Special levies are a normal way to fund unbudgeted or large expenses so the body corporate can meet its obligations — for example major maintenance such as repainting the complex. Many schemes levy special contributions every few years.

Question 5

What is meant by the term “common property”?

Accepted Answer

Common property is generally everything outside your section — for example roofs, external walls, passages, driveways, lifts, pools, boundary walls, gardens, gates, and services in common areas. Trustees are responsible for maintaining the common property.

Question 6

How do proxies and trustee nominations work?

Accepted Answer

For each AGM you receive proxy and nomination forms. To stand as a trustee, another owner nominates you and you accept in writing; nomination forms are usually due to the managing agent 48 hours before the meeting. A nominated trustee need not be an owner, but most trustees must be owners or spouses of owners. If you cannot attend a general meeting, you may appoint a proxy to vote on your behalf; proxies are handed in before the meeting starts. Returning a proxy helps achieve quorum and avoids costly reconvened meetings.

Question 7

What exactly do I own in a sectional title complex?

Accepted Answer

You typically own from the median line of the outer walls, floors, and ceiling inwards — the outer faces of doors and window glass often fall in common property. Your exclusive-use areas and rights are defined in the sectional plans and rules.

Question 8

Can I install a security gate on my door?

Accepted Answer

Security gates and burglar bars are often permitted under conduct rules, but you need written trustee approval of the design and installation. Trustees may require a consistent design to preserve the appearance of the scheme.

Question 9

Can I install a satellite dish or aerial?

Accepted Answer

You need written trustee consent before fixing anything to common property. Trustees may require a deposit for repairs, and conditions such as leaving an approved galvanised bracket when you leave, patching holes from repeated installations, and maintaining the dish. Mounts on external walls are usually common property.

Question 10

How often do trustees meet?

Accepted Answer

As often as they consider necessary. Any trustee may call a meeting with at least seven days’ notice stating the purpose. Non-trustees may attend trustee meetings and speak but not vote.

Question 11

How do I become a trustee?

Accepted Answer

Trustees are elected at each annual general meeting. Use the nomination form sent with the AGM notice and ask another owner to nominate you, then sign to accept. You may be re-elected at subsequent AGMs.

Question 12

How do I complain to the trustees?

Accepted Answer

Complaints should be in writing to the trustees; verbal complaints are not treated as formal complaints. For sectional title queries you may also email your managing agent. Clear written communication helps trustees record and resolve issues properly.

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