Know Your By-Laws: Common Property vs. Lot Property
July 16, 2025
Understanding what areas fall under common property versus individual lot property can help avoid confusion, especially when it comes to repairs, maintenance, or making changes. Here’s a quick refresher to help clarify who is responsible for what.
Common Property: Managed and maintained by the Body Corporate. This usually includes:
• External walls, roofing, and gutters
• Driveways, visitor parking
• Hallways, stairwells, lifts
• Shared garden or recreational areas
Lot Property: Owned and maintained by the individual lot owner. This generally includes:
• Interior walls, flooring, ceilings
• Fixtures (e.g., lights, taps, appliances)
• Exclusive use areas (like courtyards or balconies), depending on your scheme
Why it matters: Before making renovations or reporting an issue, it’s important to know whether it falls under your responsibility or the Body Corporate’s. If you're unsure, you can check your plan of subdivision or simply contact us on at 04 970 5435 - we're happy to help!
As we move into the latter half of the year, we’d like to thank all our Body Corporates for their continued patience and understanding during AGM season. It’s always a busy time for our team, and we truly appreciate your support as we work through a high volume of meetings and enquiries. If your AGM hasn’t been held yet, now’s the perfect time to: Review your previous meeting minutes Familiarise yourself with the agenda Think about any questions or issues you’d like to raise Remember, attending your AGM (in person or virtually) helps ensure transparency and effective decision-making. Can’t make it? You can appoint a proxy to vote on your behalf or submit your vote by post. We’re here to help - so if you have any questions or need assistance, please don’t hesitate to get in touch on 04 970 5435.
View our April 2025 BC Noticeboard - Quarterly Newsletter - Welcome - Important Notices & Reminders - Pet Consent Rules and Pet Bond: Upcoming Changes - Staff Update: Marjaana Kalliosalo - Know Your By-Laws: Common Property vs. Lot Property - Quick Tips: Label Your Letterbox and Intercom Clearly - Spring Maintenance Checklist - Stay Connected: Get weekly updates on our Facebook page! https://public2.bomamarketing.com/email/Wwl9
Good news!! We’ve just released another brand-new resource: our Guide to Body Corporates (For New Committee Members). Whether you’re new to a committee or want to refresh your knowledge, this guide covers how body corporates work, your role and responsibilities, and how we support you as your Body Corporate Manager. Download it now from our new Resources Hub: https://www.cbcs.nz/resources-hub
New Resource Alert: AGM Handbook Now Available! We’re excited to announce that we've just launched our brand-new Guide to Body Corporate AGMs - a practical, easy-to-follow handbook designed to support you through every step of the AGM process. Whether you’re attending your very first meeting or have years of experience as a committee member, this guide is packed with tips, insights, and handy information to help you feel prepared and confident. Download it now from our new Resources Hub: https://www.cbcs.nz/resources-hub This is just the beginning! We’re committed to building more helpful tools for our CBCS community. Got ideas for future resources? We’d love to hear them - send us a message or email us at admin@cbcs.nz.
Thinking of buying into a Body Corporate property? Here's What to look for in a well- managed building Before you fall in love with the views or the location, take a closer look at how the property is managed - it can make all the difference in your living experience and your investment. Here are a few signs of a well run body corporate: Clear Communication - Are meeting minutes, notices, and updates easy to access and understand? Well-Maintained Common Areas - Clean, safe, and regularly maintained shared spaces signal proactive management. Healthy Financials - Ask for a copy of the most recent financial statement. A well-managed property will have realistic budgets and a healthy sinking fund. Updated By- Laws - Modern, reasonable by-laws help promote a peaceful, fair community. Responsive Body Corporate Manager - Quick, professional responses to queries or maintenance issues are a huge plus. Buying into a well-managed building means fewer headaches, smoother maintenance, and better long-term value. Have questions about body corporate management or what to look for? Give us a call today on 04 970 5435 , we’re here to help!
Annual General Meetings (AGMs) are more than just a formality - they are your committee’s opportunity to review the past year, discuss upcoming plans, and make decisions that shape the future of your Body Corporate property. Here’s a quick checklist to help you prepare for a smooth and effective AGM: Review the agenda and supporting documents: These outline the items up for discussion and any motions that require your vote. Review the Financial Statements and Budget - Check the previous year’s accounts and the proposed budget for the coming year. Read the previous AGM minutes : A great way to catch up on past decisions and follow up on any ongoing matters. Consider nominations for committee positions: Your involvement can make a real difference in your Body Corporate community. Submit your voting papers: If you can’t attend in person, make sure your voice is still heard. Remember, your participation helps ensure the effective and transparent management of your scheme. If you're unsure of your AGM date or need assistance with your documentation, please don’t hesitate to contact our team on 04 970 5435 - we’re here to help.
First Time at a Body Corporate AGM? Here’s What to Expect! Your Body Corporate’s Annual General Meeting is a great opportunity to learn how your building is managed and how you can have a say in key decisions. Here’s a quick rundown of what typically happens: Review of Financials – You'll go through the past year's financial statements and vote on the proposed budget for the next year (including levies). Committee Elections – Want a say in how things are run? This is when the committee is elected for the coming year. It’s your chance to step up or vote for who you trust to represent owners' interests. Key Decisions – From maintenance projects to insurance policies, the AGM is where major property matters are discussed and voted on. Reports & Updates – Get updates from your Body Corporate manager or committee on building issues, completed projects, and what's ahead. Pro Tip: Read the agenda and documents beforehand so you're ready to participate. It’s your investment — make your voice count! Have questions about AGMs? Chat to our team today on 04 970 5435.
If you're planning to sell your unit, make sure you’ve got your pre-contract disclosure statement ready to go! Under the Unit Titles Act 2010, it’s a legal requirement to provide this document to potential buyers before any agreement is signed. It outlines key information about your unit, levies, and the body corporate — helping to ensure a smooth and transparent sale process. If you’re part of one of the Body Corporates we manage, we can prepare this statement for you. To request a disclosure statement, simply visit our website ( www.cbcs.nz ) and click on the Disclosure Statements section in the top menu. Then scroll to the bottom of the page to complete a short request form. (Please note: a service charge applies, payable by the unit owner.) If you have any questions or need further clarification, feel free to give our team a call on 04 970 5435 — we’re here to help make the selling process as easy as possible!
New provisions regarding pet consent and pet bonds are set to take effect from late 2025, with the exact date yet to be confirmed. These changes will apply to new tenancies only. Below is a summary of the key updates: Key Changes to Pet Consent: •Tenants will be allowed to request written consent from their landlord to keep a pet in their rental property. •Landlords can refuse such requests only on reasonable grounds. •Tenants will be responsible for any pet-related damage that goes beyond fair wear and tear. •Pet bonds may be required by landlords of no more than 2 weeks’ worth of rent (in addition to the general bond) Disability Assist Dogs: Disability assist dogs are excluded from these rules. No permission is needed, and landlords cannot charge a pet bond for these dogs. Further guidance on pet bonds and consents will be made available to support compliance with pet-related rights and responsibilities at the time the pet provisions are due to commence. For more information and updates, visit: https://www.tenancy.govt.nz/law-changes/ Scroll down to the section titled "Pet consent rules, pet bonds and pet damage liability provisions.
