Sectional Title Update ...
Water Meters...
TO HAVE OR NOT TO HAVE, THAT IS THE QUESTION ! ! !
We have received numerous queries recently regarding the installation of separate water meters at Sectional Title Buildings – most buildings apparently DON’T have separate water meters for each section, and water is simply charged for according to participation quota, rather than actual consumption. This can often cause inequitable results, particularly where there is a vast discrepancy in the number of people occupying similar sized units!
But what does the Act say?
Management Rule 33(3) reads:
(3) . . . the trustees shall, if so required in writing by a majority of owners, procure the installation and maintenance in good working order, at the body corporate's cost, of separate meters to record the consumption of electricity, water and gas in respect of each individual section and the common property.
Be warned however, we have been advised that the plumbing reticulation of certain older buildings simply does not allow for the installation of separate water meters - you can stand on your head and whistle, but water meters cannot be installed! If this is the case, remember that Management Rule 33(4) provides that if, and for so long as no separate meters have been installed, the contribution payable by each owner for water, electricity and gas must be calculated according to participation quota
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