Balcony maintenance: Understanding shared responsibility

Balconies bring light, air and outdoor living into our homes, making them an important part of apartment life. When well maintained, they can be shared assets that enhance our homes, our wellbeing and our sense of community. Because balconies often involve both private use and shared building elements, it is important for owners and residents to understand who is responsible for what. Clear knowledge helps prevent disputes, unnecessary costs and potential safety risks.

State-by-state differences

Balcony rules and responsibilities vary significantly between Australian states and territories, and Victoria for example has had some debate around this. The information below provides a general guide only. For advice that applies to your specific building and location, it is important to speak directly with your strata manager or owners corporation.

What the owners corporation or body corporate looks after

In most buildings, the strata or body corporate is responsible for maintaining the external structure and common property. This usually includes:

• Exterior doors
• Windows
• Balcony railings and balustrades
• Waterproofing membranes for balconies and roofing

These components are essential to the safety and long-term integrity of the building, which is why they fall under collective care.

What owners are responsible for

Owners are generally responsible for the interior of their lot, including:

• Internal doors
• Windows and doors leading out to the balcony

Owners also play an important role in protecting their balcony space. Personal items such as air conditioning units, pot plants, barbecues, furniture, and decor must be used and maintained so as not to damage the balcony surface or structure.

Owners are also responsible for:

• Ensuring any alterations or attachments are properly approved
• Avoiding fire hazards, including the buildup of rubbish
• Managing noise and preventing smoke drift to neighbouring lots

Responsible balcony use plays an important role in maintaining safety, preventing damage and supporting a positive living environment for everyone.

Water leaks; a common issue

Because balconies are exposed to the weather, water leaks and structural deterioration are among the most common concerns.

If you suspect a leak or damage:

• The owners corporation is generally responsible for repairing leaks that arise from common property, including the waterproofing membrane, concrete structural slab, external walls, railings and drainage.
• Owners are responsible for repairs to privately added components, such as new tiles, and for any damage caused by their own actions or lack of maintenance.
• If the leak is caused by resident actions such as overwatering plants or incorrect cleaning methods, the resident may be responsible for the repair costs.
• If a leak affects the interior of a unit below, the owners corporation is usually responsible for repairing the source of the leak, while the affected owner may need to claim on their own contents insurance for internal damage.

Always check your building’s strata plan and by-laws to be sure about the maintenance rules that apply to your balcony. These documents outline where lot boundaries end and common property begins, helping you make informed decisions before committing to any works.