RSL LifeCare has responded to complaints from strata residents at its Lakes of Cherrybrook village in Sydney’s northwest after they objected to “exorbitant” upkeep fees.
The residents went to A Current Affair over estimates that they would have to pay around $200,000 each for works including new roofing, amid reports that the roofs have been covered with orange tarps since April and the buildings are full of mould.
“I might not be here in five years’ time, I might not be here in 10 years’ time, but the money we're going to be paying to have these roofs and everything done, it’s going to be giving RSL 20 to 30 years,” one resident, Judy, told ACA.
In a statement, RSL LifeCare said it was aware of building and maintenance concerns raised by “a small number of strata owners” who own and live in their own property.
“We are in the process of a second round of mould removal on a small number of units in less than six months, following ongoing heavy rain and floods which have affected tens of thousands of Australians facing a similar issue with mould reoccurrence," said RSL LifeCare.
“Following damage to roofs and walls from continued poor weather and in agreement with Strata owners, RSL LifeCare commissioned a full roof inspection report (with no cost to any resident) to ascertain the site’s structural integrity, which was built in the 1980s.”
The operator added that it expects the report to be completed shortly, with recommendations and costs to subsequently be taken to the residents’ Strata Committee.
“Ultimately, Strata owners have the right to choose how they maintain their own homes. RSL LifeCare will continue to ensure that safety continues to be the number one priority in the areas of the site for which we are responsible. We will also continue to cover all costs in the areas of the site for which we are responsible,” it said.
Currently, 13 units at Lakes of Cherrybrook are owned by strata residents, with one as common property; the operator owns the remaining 50.
