The Trustees have decided to install separate water meters for each unit – seeing that it is unfair that someone living alone pays the same levy (that includes water) as someone living with their husband and three kids. With separate water meters, each owner pays for their actual consumption. What is the procedure if they want to install normal water meters and what is the procedure if they want to install pre-paid water meters.
We will not look at the pros and cons of the two options but just what permission is needed in terms of the STSM Act.
PMR 29
(3) A body corporate must, if so directed by a resolution of members —
- install and maintain separate meters to measure the supply of electricity, water, gas or the supply of any other service to each member’s sections and exclusive use areas and to the common property; and
- recover from members the cost of such supplies to sections and exclusive use areas based on the metered supply.
An ordinary resolution is required to authorize the installation of meters to measure the water supply to member sections, exclusive use areas, and the common property. Under the previous prescribed rules, a written request by a majority of owners was required.
PMR 29
(4) A body corporate may on the authority of a special resolution install separate pre-payment meters on the common property to control the supply of water or electricity to a section or exclusive use area; provided that all members and occupiers of sections must be given at least 60 days notice of the proposed resolution with details of all costs associated with the installation of the pre-payment system and its estimated effect on the cost of the services over the next three years.
A special resolution, with 60 days’ notice and details of all costs and the anticipated effect on service supply costs over 3 years, is required to authorize the installation of pre-paid meters for water.
So it is easier to get permission for normal water meters
Quote from the STSM Act: