Know your rights as strata property owners

Apartment owners will be hit with the maximum possible tariff increase because Syabas only reads the master meter for the property, which calculates the water use of all units in the apartments.

I BECAME the owner of a strata property three years ago. I used to simply pay my maintenance bills, water bills and sinking funds while enjoying all the communal facilities provided.

Things got a bit ugly when I suddenly realised that the communal facilities such as swimming pool were no longer accessible for months on end, the playground was in a terrible condition and the guards were not patrolling the grounds or at their post. 

Worse still, our water supply was also cut because, according to the management committee, many strata owners did not pay their bills. The management committee had accumulated huge debts because of the defaulters and could not maintain the facilities properly.

Aghast with the excuse, and as owners who paid our bills dutifully, my neighbours and I went to the Commissioner of Building (COB) to seek advice on solving the problems.

As advised by the COB, we held our annual general meeting (AGM) for the year 2018. At this meeting, we found out that the last AGM was conducted three years ago and that it should be conducted every year. We also became aware of the actual situation in our community, including why the management was left with a huge debt (almost RM1mil). It was mainly due to lack of enforcement and ineffective management by the committee members.

I am writing this letter to share some of the rights that people who are strata owners should know to avoid getting into a similar situation.

According to the Strata Management Act (SMA) 2013 and Strata Titles Act (STA) 1985, strata owners have the right to have an AGM, which must be held before 14 months after the last AGM. Through this meeting, we can find out where we stand financially.

Strata owners also have the right to elect their management committee members. It is important for every strata owner to elect a responsible and reliable management committee to ensure that the common property is well maintained and the house rules enforced. Sadly, this did not happen in my community.

It is also important for us as strata owners to pay our management bills. All bills, including sewerage charges, maintenance fees, sinking funds and even quit rent, must also be paid without delay. Our payment will make sure that the facilities can be used. With well-maintained facilities, the property will remain in good condition.  

It is important to remember that, according to the Strata Management Tribunal under the Strata Management Act 2013, defaulters will be charged for committing a criminal offence and made to pay fines upon conviction. The defaulter can be fined up to RM250,000 or jailed for not more than three years, or both.

NADZRAH SA’ADAN

UiTM Cawangan Johor

Kampus Pasir Gudang