I own a townhouse within a community scheme. Do I have to ask someone before changing the colour of my house wall?
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Answer by Neha Sharma, Hillsdale 2036 Sydney
- The simple answer is yes. The harder question is who you must ask permission from.
- If you own a townhouse you are likely to be part of a subsidiary association that has its own management statement like a neighbourhood, precinct or a smaller community scheme.
- You must check the subsidiary and the primary schemes management statement for any restrictions that may be imposed on changing the façade of the buildings.
- In neighbourhood schemes a lot of importance is usually given to uniformity and continuity and your request to change the front colour of the building will most likely be denied.
- In any event written permission is required before you can make changes to any property that
- belongs to the association;
- will change the look of the building; or
- involves making serious changes such as additions, removals or amendments to existing structures.
- If there is an inconsistency between the community management statement and the neighbourhood management statement, the community management statement always prevails.