Dear owners,

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY. PLEASE FORWARD TO YOUR TENANTS AS WELL.

As Trustees and owners, we are aware that storage space in our building is limited. However, storing goods in the parking bays is a direct violation of the fire and safety regulations. This means that in the event of a fire in our basement, our insurance will not cover any of the damages. More so, the owner of the parking bay from which such a fire would originate, would be held fully liable for damages to the building and the property of other owners.

In the past, the Body Corporate has given approval to owners for building storage cupboards. This approval, we have found, was unlawful as also storage cupboards violate the classification of the basement. That said, we are busy trying to determine the best way forward to ensure compliance with the regulations while accommodating owners with storage space.

Note that the liability falls to the owner, even if a tenant has stored goods in the parking bay.

In addition to the above, also note that any theft or damages to goods in the basement is for your own risk. And as hard as we work on the safety and security of our building, situations like this have occurred. If goods stored in the parking bay cause damage to cars or people e.g. by overflowing the boundaries of the parking bay, this is also a liability for the owner.

Please find attached several photos of some of the parking bays. Urgent action is required.

The following steps need to be taken:

1. All loose items (anything not in a car, trailer or cupboard) must be removed from the parking bays before the end of September. If the Fire Marshal decides to do an inspection, they will close the basement, meaning that no one can park there or even access the basement on foot. The Trustees will do an inspection by the end of the month to confirm loose items have been removed. We will be forced to remove any remaining items.This also concerns the closed garages as these form part of the basement.

2. The Trustees are working on a solution for allowing storage under strict conditions. We cannot guarantee, but will try to find a way forward. For now, we will not request removal of cupboards.But be aware, this may at some point still be necessary for the fire compliance.

We trust your prompt action and will keep you informed on next steps.

Many thanks. the Trustees.