Exclusive use areas in a body corporate

Exclusive use areas

A personal approach
to body corporate management

Relationships are the foundation of our business, built on the understanding that every client is unique, not just at a body corporate level, but as individuals.

That’s why we take the time to listen, tailoring our management approach to suit every person, their communication style and business preferences.

Receive an obligation
free building proposal

We'll need to get some details about your building. Let us know the best time to contact you.

Please contact us here if you are seeking a proposal for a building we don’t currently manage. If you are an existing BCsystems customer please email us at info@bcsystem.it2k.com

Exclusive use (EU) areas are areas within a body corporate scheme allocated for the exclusive use of a particular owner or group of owners. While these areas are typically considered common property, they are allocated for the specific benefit of the individual owner or owners.

In this article, we look at examples of exclusive-use areas and the rights and responsibilities of the lot owner benefiting from them.

Example of exclusive use areas

Parking spaces: Assigned parking spots within a body corporate are often designated as exclusive-use areas giving each owner the exclusive right to use their assigned parking space. This type of exclusive use is commonly seen in unit or high-rise residential apartment complexes.

Courtyards or gardens: Certain outdoor spaces such as courtyards or garden areas may be designated as exclusive-use areas for specific units. This allows the respective owners to utilise and maintain these areas according to their preferences. This type of exclusive use allocation is commonly seen in townhouse developments.

Storage units: Storage cages/lockers or rooms within a garage may be allocated as exclusive-use areas for individual owners to store personal belongings or items. This type of exclusive use is commonly seen in unit or high-rise residential apartment complexes.

Exclusive use rights cannot be given to any utility infrastructure that is common property or a body corporate asset.

Rights and responsibilities of exclusive use areas

While owners maintain exclusive rights to utilise and enjoy these areas, they are also accountable for their maintenance, repair, and upkeep, including any operating costs, unless stated otherwise in your body corporate’s by-laws.

If the lot was created under a building format plan of subdivision and the by-law does not say otherwise, the owner is not responsible for:

  • roofing membranes that are on part of the common property to which the by-law applies and give protection for other lots or common property; and
  • maintaining in a structurally sound condition structural parts that are on the common property to which the by-law applies and were not built by or for the owner. These are:
    • foundation structures
    • roofing structures providing protection
    • essential supporting framework, including load-bearing walls.

An exclusive use by-law cannot make a lot owner responsible for the maintenance of any utility infrastructure including pipes, wiring, or equipment that is common property or a body corporate asset.

Related content

Share This Post

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Is BCsystems your current body corporate manager?
You are

More To Explore

Brisbane City
Other

Inner-City Affordability Initiative for Brisbane City

In response to Brisbane’s growth, BCC has proposed a new citywide amendment known as the Inner-City Affordability Initiative. This plan aims to balance development pressures with the need to maintain access to affordable housing options within the city centre.

Storm Season
Maintenance

Preparing for Storm Season

Queensland summers are a time when the skies can shift from calm to chaos in just moments -delivering a deluge of rain, lightning and in recent years, flooding. With these unpredictable weather patterns often causing significant disruption, preparation is more than just a precaution – it’s a necessity.

Like this article?

Follow us for more