What Electrical Repairs Are Body Corporate Responsible For?

You flip a switch in your apartment hallway — nothing. The lights are out. Who fixes it? Is it your job, the landlord’s, or the body corporate’s? Welcome to one of the most common mysteries in strata living. Navigating who’s responsible for what can feel like trying to read an electrician’s handwriting — confusing at best, dangerous at worst.

When it comes to electrical repairs, knowing the division between private and shared responsibility isn’t just helpful — it can save you time, stress, and a rather heated debate with your neighbours. So, let’s clear the air (and hopefully, flick the lights back on) with this guide, powered by the experts at Carda Electrics.

Key Takeaways

• The body corporate is generally responsible for electrical issues in shared or common property areas.

• Unit owners are usually responsible for internal electrical faults within their lot.

• Grey areas can exist — understanding strata plans and regulations is crucial.

• Safety and compliance obligations require all electrical work to be handled by licensed professionals.

• A qualified electrician experienced in strata properties makes life easier for everyone involved.

What Is a Body Corporate Responsible For?

In Australian strata schemes, a body corporate (an owners corporation) manages and maintains the common property in apartment buildings, unit complexes, or townhouse estates. It’s like the behind-the-scenes team that keeps shared spaces running—from mowing the lawn to ensuring the hallway lights don’t flicker like in a horror film.

Concerning electrical repairs, the body corporate is typically responsible for the upkeep of anything in or servicing common areas. This includes maintaining:

• The main switchboard

• Shared wiring systems

• Communal lighting

• Intercoms and access systems

• Emergency electrical equipment like smoke alarms (in shared zones)

If it’s not part of your private unit but you still benefit from it, it’s probably a body corporate responsibility.

Common Electrical Repairs Covered by Body Corporate

Time for the listicle — because who doesn’t love a good checklist (mainly when it saves you from footing the bill):

1. Hallway & Stairwell Lighting
   If the globe outside your unit door blows, the body corporate usually handles it.

2. Car Park & Garden Lights
   You shouldn’t have to reverse-park in the dark — communal outdoor lighting is covered.

3. Main Switchboards & Mains Cabling
   If the building’s electrical supply goes haywire, the body corporate needs to step in.

4. Emergency Lighting & Shared Smoke Alarms
   They must maintain and regularly test any safety devices in shared spaces.

5. Intercom, CCTV & Access Control Systems
   Is the faulty buzzer not letting in your Uber Eats? Body corporate to the rescue (maybe not for your meal).

When Is the Unit Owner Responsible?

Now, before you ring up your strata manager every time the kettle trips the fuse, here’s what you’re likely responsible for:

• All electrical components within your lot boundaries, including power points, light fittings, ceiling fans, and internal wiring.

• Appliances and personal electrical installations, like your dishwasher or that fancy smart fridge.

• Any fixtures you’ve installed yourself, including downlights or wall-mounted heaters.

Put simply, if the issue is inside your four walls (and you didn’t inherit it from the original building setup), it’s likely up to you to sort it out — preferably without trying to DIY a live wire.

Compliance and Safety Obligations

No matter who’s responsible, one thing’s non-negotiable: compliance with Australian electrical safety standards. Both unit owners and body corporates are legally required to:

• Use licensed electricians for all work — no mates-of-mates doing dodgy backyard jobs.

• Ensure regular safety checks are carried out, especially for shared infrastructure.

• Maintain functioning emergency lighting and smoke alarms as per state legislation.

Cutting corners here isn’t just illegal — it’s dangerous. Fires, shocks, and failed insurance claims are just a few grim possibilities. So please, leave it to the pros.

Why Choose Carda Electrics for Body Corporate Electrical Work?

Working with a trusted, experienced electrical provider is key, and that’s where Carda Electrics shines (pun very much intended).

With years of experience servicing body corporates and strata properties across Melbourne, Carda Electrics offers:

• Fast response times to keep tenants and managers happy

• Clear, transparent reporting for committees and property managers

• Compliance expertise to ensure all repairs meet the latest regulations

• Fully licensed and insured electricians who don’t cut corners

They also communicate like humans (not robots), show up on time, and clean up after themselves — a rarity in any trade.

Conclusion

Understanding who’s responsible for what in a strata electrical setup doesn’t have to be a guessing game. If it’s part of the shared property, it’s usually up to the body corporate. If it’s inside your unit, it’s probably on you. And when in doubt? Ask a pro.

For body corporates and property managers looking to avoid disputes, delays, and potential disasters, partnering with a skilled, experienced electrical team is the smart move.

Ready to keep your lights on, your building safe, and your residents smiling? Chat with the experts at Carda Electrics today.