Understanding Owners Corporation Law and Window Cleaning is a fairly complex process. Living in an owners corporation scheme comes with many benefits, but it also brings questions about maintenance responsibilities. One of the most common areas of confusion relates to window cleaning – a seemingly simple task that can become surprisingly complex when it comes to determining who’s responsible for what.

Understanding the Basics of Owners Corporation Responsibility

In owners corporation schemes, property is divided into two main categories: individual lots (what you own) and common property (shared areas managed by the owners corporation). This fundamental division forms the basis for determining maintenance responsibilities, including window cleaning.

Individual Lots typically include:

• The interior of your unit or apartment: This encompasses everything within the boundaries of your lot as defined in the Plan of Subdivision, including walls, floors, ceilings, fixtures, and fittings that are exclusively yours. The lot boundary is crucial as it determines where your responsibility begins and ends.
• Internal surfaces of windows: This includes the glass panes facing inward, window frames on the interior side, internal sills, handles, locks, and any window treatments or blinds you’ve installed. You’re also responsible for the internal mechanisms of windows such as sliding tracks, hinges, and weather seals that can be accessed from inside your unit.
• Private balconies or courtyards (in some cases): When these areas are designated as part of your individual lot rather than common property, you’re responsible for their maintenance including any windows or glass doors that open onto these spaces. However, this varies significantly between developments, so checking your Plan of Subdivision is essential.

Common Property generally includes:

• External building surfaces: This covers the entire exterior facade of the building, including external walls, cladding, render, paint, and any architectural features. The owners corporation must maintain the building’s external appearance and structural integrity for all residents.
• Shared corridors and facilities: All common areas such as hallways, stairwells, lobbies, elevators, parking areas, gardens, pools, and recreational facilities. This extends to the lighting, flooring, and windows in these shared spaces.
• External surfaces of windows: The outside glass surfaces, external window frames, external sills and ledges, and any structural components that form part of the building envelope. This responsibility exists because external windows contribute to the building’s weather-proofing, energy efficiency, and overall appearance.
• Roofs and structural elements: All load-bearing structures, roofing materials, gutters, downpipes, and building systems that serve the entire complex. This includes any windows in common areas like stairwells or building service areas.

What Parts of Window Cleaning Are Owners Corporation vs Lot Owner Responsibilities?

Windows present a unique challenge because they have both internal and external surfaces, and the responsibility for cleaning each side often falls to different parties.

Internal Window Cleaning

The internal surfaces of windows are typically the responsibility of individual lot owners. This includes:

• Inside glass surfaces: All glass panes, panels, and any glazed sections that face into your unit. This responsibility extends to removing water spots, fingerprints, dust, and maintaining clear visibility. You’re also responsible for any damage to internal glass surfaces, including chips, cracks, or scratches that occur through normal use.
• Internal window frames and sills: The frames surrounding the glass on the interior side, including timber, aluminum, or PVC materials, plus internal sills and ledges where dust, debris, or condensation may collect. This includes maintaining paint or finish on internal frames and ensuring proper drainage of internal sill areas.
• Window tracks and mechanisms (when accessible from inside): Sliding tracks, roller mechanisms, window stays, handles, locks, and opening mechanisms that can be reached from within your unit. This includes regular lubrication, cleaning of tracks to prevent jamming, and ensuring proper operation of all moving parts.

As a lot owner, you’re generally expected to maintain these areas as part of your regular household cleaning routine. This responsibility also includes promptly addressing any maintenance issues that could affect window performance or lead to damage, such as adjusting door and window seals, replacing worn weather stripping, and ensuring proper ventilation to prevent condensation damage.

External Window Cleaning

External window surfaces are usually considered part of the building’s exterior and therefore fall under common property maintenance. This means the owners corporation is typically responsible for:

• Outside glass surfaces: All external glass panes including removal of weather staining, bird droppings, pollution residue, and salt deposits (particularly relevant in coastal areas). This responsibility ensures consistent building appearance and prevents permanent staining or damage that could affect property values.
• External window frames: The structural frames, architraves, and surrounding elements that form part of the building envelope. This includes maintaining protective coatings, paint, powder coating, or anodized finishes that protect the frames from weather damage and corrosion.
• External sills and ledges: All protruding elements that collect rainwater, debris, and require drainage maintenance. The owners corporation must ensure proper water runoff to prevent structural damage, maintain drainage holes, and address any issues with water ponding or staining.
• Any structural window components: This encompasses weather seals that protect the building envelope, structural glazing systems, curtain wall elements, and any components that contribute to the building’s weather resistance, energy efficiency, or structural integrity. It also includes external security screens, awnings, or architectural features attached to windows.

Key Factors That Influence Responsibility

1. Plan of Subdivision and Rules

Every owners corporation scheme operates under a Plan of Subdivision registered with Land Registry Services Victoria, and has specific rules that may modify standard responsibilities. Some schemes have special provisions for window cleaning that override general rules. These rules might specify particular cleaning frequencies, quality standards, or unusual responsibility allocations based on building design or historical agreements. Rules can also address special circumstances such as penthouse units with unique window configurations, ground floor units with direct access to external windows, or units with private courtyards. Always check your Plan of Subdivision and owners corporation rules for specific requirements, and be aware that rules can be amended by special resolution at a general meeting, so periodic review is important.

2. Accessibility and Safety

Safety considerations play a crucial role in determining responsibility, as Victorian workplace health and safety laws strictly regulate work at heights and in hazardous conditions. If external window cleaning requires special equipment like scaffolding, boom lifts, abseiling equipment, or poses risks from heights above two meters, it’s almost always considered an owners corporation responsibility. Insurance considerations also come into play, as individual owners typically lack the specialized coverage needed for commercial cleaning operations. The owners corporation has a duty of care to ensure any external cleaning is performed by licensed, qualified professionals with appropriate insurance and safety procedures.

3. Building Design

The architectural design of your building significantly influences responsibility allocation based on practical accessibility and risk factors:

• High-rise buildings: External cleaning almost always falls to the owners corporation due to the specialized equipment required, workplace safety regulations, and the need for coordinated building maintenance. These buildings often have building maintenance unit (BMU) systems or require professional rope access technicians.
• Low-rise developments: May have mixed arrangements depending on accessibility, with ground floor units potentially responsible for their own external windows if safely accessible from ground level or private courtyards. However, upper floor units would still fall under owners corporation responsibility.
• Townhouses: Often have individual lot owner responsibility for easily accessible windows, particularly those opening onto private yards or accessible from stable ground. However, second-story windows or those requiring ladder access may still be owners corporation responsibility depending on specific rules and risk assessments.

4. Window Type and Location

Different types of windows may have different responsibility allocations based on their function, accessibility, and integration with the building structure:

• Standard apartment windows: Usually follow the split responsibility model (internal surfaces to lot owners, external to owners corporation) because they form part of the building envelope and require coordinated maintenance for weather-proofing and appearance.
• French doors to balconies: May be entirely lot owner responsibility if the balcony is part of the individual lot and the doors are easily accessible. However, if balconies are common property or the doors face common areas, responsibility may be shared or fall entirely to the owners corporation.
• Sliding doors: Responsibility often depends on specific owners corporation rules and whether the doors open onto private or common property. Large sliding doors that form part of the building facade are more likely to be owners corporation responsibility due to their structural importance and impact on building appearance.
• Specialty windows: Including stained glass, architectural features, or custom installations may have specific maintenance requirements detailed in rules, particularly if they were installed as part of the original building design or subsequent owners corporation improvements.

Common Scenarios and Solutions in Window Cleaning

Scenario 1: High-Rise Apartment Building

In most high-rise buildings, the owners corporation arranges and pays for external window cleaning using professional services with appropriate equipment such as building maintenance units (BMUs), scaffolding systems, or certified rope access technicians. This arrangement exists because individual owners cannot safely or practically access external windows from heights, and coordinated professional cleaning ensures consistent building appearance and maintains property values. The owners corporation typically contracts services on a quarterly, bi-annual, or annual basis depending on environmental factors like coastal salt exposure, urban pollution, or weather patterns. Lot owners remain responsible for internal surfaces, which they can safely clean using standard household methods and equipment.

Scenario 2: Low-Rise Complex with Accessible Windows

In developments where external windows are easily accessible from ground level, private courtyards, or low balconies (typically under two meters high), responsibility may fall to individual lot owners for both internal and external cleaning. However, this arrangement requires clear definition in rules regarding safety standards, acceptable cleaning methods, and quality expectations. Some schemes provide cleaning equipment or specify approved cleaning products to ensure consistent results. Upper floor units in the same complex would still typically have their external windows cleaned by the owners corporation due to safety considerations, creating a mixed responsibility model within the same building.

Scenario 3: Mixed-Use Developments

Commercial and residential mixed developments often have complex arrangements where responsibility varies by floor level, unit type, and whether windows face public or private areas. Ground floor commercial units might be responsible for their own street-facing windows as part of their business presentation, while residential units above follow standard owners corporation arrangements. Some developments have commercial ground floors with residential above, where the commercial tenants or owners handle ground floor external cleaning, but upper residential levels are managed by the owners corporation. These arrangements require detailed documentation in rules and often involve coordination between different management entities.

Best Practices for Owners Corporation Schemes

For Owners Corporations:

1. Clear Communication: Ensure all residents understand window cleaning responsibilities through clear documentation and regular reminders. This includes providing detailed information packages to new residents, posting notices before scheduled cleaning services, updating residents about any changes to cleaning arrangements, and maintaining a section on window cleaning in resident handbooks. Communication should also cover what residents need to do to prepare for external cleaning services, such as removing personal items from window sills or ensuring balcony access.
2. Regular Maintenance Schedule: If responsible for external cleaning, establish a regular schedule to maintain building appearance and property values. Consider environmental factors such as proximity to busy roads (increased pollution), coastal locations (salt spray), construction areas (additional dust), and seasonal factors like pollen or storm debris. Schedule frequency should balance cost considerations with appearance standards, typically ranging from monthly cleaning in high-pollution areas to annual cleaning in low-impact environments.
3. Professional Services: Use qualified, insured cleaning services for external work, especially on multi-story buildings. Verify that contractors hold current licenses for work at heights, carry appropriate public liability and professional indemnity insurance, use safety equipment compliant with Australian standards, and provide trained staff with current safety certifications. Contracts should specify cleaning methods, safety procedures, insurance requirements, and quality standards.
4. Budget Planning: Include window cleaning costs in the annual budget and fee calculations. This involves obtaining quotes from multiple contractors, considering long-term service agreements for better rates, factoring in additional costs for difficult access areas or specialty windows, and planning for potential increases in frequency due to environmental changes. Budget planning should also account for equipment maintenance, insurance costs, and contingency funds for urgent cleaning needs.

For Lot Owners:

1. Know Your Responsibilities: Review your Plan of Subdivision and owners corporation rules and understand what you’re responsible for maintaining. This includes understanding the specific boundaries of your lot as defined in the Plan of Subdivision, knowing which surfaces you must clean and maintain, being aware of any special requirements for your particular unit type or location within the building, and staying updated on any rule changes that might affect your responsibilities. Keep copies of relevant documents easily accessible for reference.
2. Regular Maintenance: Keep internal window surfaces clean to maintain your property and avoid disputes. Establish a routine cleaning schedule that prevents buildup of grime, condensation damage, or staining that could become permanent. Address issues promptly such as condensation problems that might indicate ventilation issues, damaged seals that could affect energy efficiency, or hardware problems that might worsen over time. Regular maintenance also helps identify issues early before they become expensive repairs.
3. Safety First: Never attempt to clean external surfaces if it involves safety risks. This includes avoiding cleaning windows above ground level without proper safety equipment, not overreaching from balconies or windows, avoiding cleaning during adverse weather conditions, and never using inappropriate equipment like domestic ladders for high or difficult access areas. If you’re unsure about safety, always consult with your owners corporation manager or committee before attempting any external cleaning.
4. Communicate Issues: Report any window damage or maintenance issues to the owners corporation manager promptly. This includes structural problems like damaged frames, broken seals, cracked glass, or hardware failures that might affect the building envelope. Also report any cleaning-related issues such as streaking, missed areas, or damage caused by cleaning services. Early reporting helps prevent minor issues from becoming major problems and ensures appropriate responsibility allocation for repairs.

When Disputes Arise

Window cleaning disputes can occur, particularly when:

• Rules are unclear or outdated: This often happens in older owners corporation schemes where original rules didn’t anticipate modern cleaning methods, building modifications, or changes in safety regulations. Ambiguous language about “maintenance” versus “cleaning” or unclear definitions of lot boundaries can lead to disagreements about who is responsible for specific window areas.
• There’s disagreement about accessibility: Disputes arise when there are differing opinions about whether windows can be “safely accessed” by individual owners, particularly for townhouses or low-rise units. Changes to landscaping, installation of security features, or modifications to balconies can alter accessibility over time.
• Damage occurs during cleaning: Issues can arise when professional cleaners damage window frames, seals, or glass, or when individual owners cause damage while cleaning areas that may be common property. Determining liability and repair costs can become contentious, especially when insurance coverage is unclear.
• Standards of cleaning are disputed: Disagreements about acceptable cleanliness levels, cleaning frequency, or methods used can create ongoing tensions. Some owners may prefer more frequent cleaning than the majority is willing to fund, or there may be complaints about the quality of contracted services.

Resolution Steps:

1. Review Documentation: Start with your Plan of Subdivision, rules, and any relevant meeting minutes. Examine the original subdivision plan to understand lot boundaries, review current rules and any amendments for specific window cleaning provisions, check minutes from previous owners corporation meetings for precedents or decisions about similar issues, and look for any contracts or agreements with cleaning services that might clarify responsibilities. Also review any correspondence between owners or with owners corporation managers regarding similar disputes.
2. Mediation: Victoria offers owners corporation mediation services through Consumer Affairs Victoria for disputes. These services provide trained mediators who understand Victorian owners corporation law and can help parties reach mutually acceptable solutions without the cost and formality of tribunal proceedings. Mediation is typically faster and less expensive than formal legal action, and often results in more practical, workable solutions that preserve ongoing relationships between neighbors and committee members.
3. Professional Advice: Consult with Victorian owners corporation lawyers or property managers for complex situations. Professional advisors can provide expert interpretation of the Owners Corporations Act 2006 (Vic) and relevant regulations, review specific rules and circumstances to provide tailored advice, help negotiate settlements or agreements between parties, and advise on the strength of potential VCAT cases. They can also help draft clearer rules to prevent future disputes.
4. VCAT Proceedings: As a last resort, formal proceedings at the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) may be necessary. VCAT has specific jurisdiction over owners corporation disputes under the Owners Corporations Act and can make binding orders about maintenance responsibilities. VCAT proceedings involve formal evidence presentation, legal arguments, and can result in enforceable orders that resolve disputes definitively, though they are typically more time-consuming and expensive than other resolution methods.

Legislative Framework in Victoria

Victorian owners corporation law is primarily governed by the Owners Corporations Act 2006 (Vic) and the Owners Corporations Regulations 2018 (Vic), which create a specific framework for window cleaning responsibilities. Key Victorian-specific aspects include:

• Specific definitions of common property: Victoria’s legislation provides detailed definitions of what constitutes common property versus individual lots under the Plan of Subdivision, affecting where window cleaning boundaries are drawn. The Act specifically addresses building envelope components and their maintenance responsibilities.
• Model rules provisions: Victoria has comprehensive model rules under the Owners Corporations Regulations that apply by default to owners corporations, containing specific provisions about maintenance responsibilities. These model rules provide more detailed guidance about window cleaning than many other jurisdictions.
• Dispute resolution processes: Victoria offers a structured dispute resolution process through Consumer Affairs Victoria mediation services and VCAT proceedings specifically designed for owners corporation disputes. The process is well-established and cost-effective compared to other jurisdictions.
• Maintenance obligations: The Owners Corporations Act 2006 establishes clear requirements for owners corporations to maintain common property, including specific standards of maintenance, frequency requirements, and liability for inadequate maintenance. The Act also provides guidance on emergency repairs and cost recovery.

While principles may be similar across Australia, Victorian owners corporation law has specific requirements and procedures that differ from other states. Always consult the current Victorian legislation and seek advice from professionals familiar with the Owners Corporations Act 2006 (Vic) when dealing with complex situations.

How Owners Corporations Can Effectively Manage Window Cleaning Contractors

Managing window cleaning contractors effectively is crucial for owners corporations to ensure quality service, safety compliance, and cost-effectiveness. Here’s a comprehensive guide to contractor management:

Pre-Selection Process

Due Diligence and Vetting:

• Verify current business licenses and registrations with relevant Victorian authorities
• Confirm workers compensation insurance coverage and public liability insurance (minimum $20 million recommended for high-rise work)
• Check WorkSafe Victoria compliance records and any safety incidents
• Request and verify references from other owners corporations or commercial clients
• Review contractor’s safety management system and procedures
• Confirm staff training records and certifications for work at heights
• Assess financial stability and business longevity to ensure reliable ongoing service

Technical Capability Assessment:

• Evaluate contractor’s experience with similar building types and heights
• Review available equipment and technology (BMUs, rope access, scaffolding systems)
• Assess understanding of building-specific challenges and access requirements
• Confirm ability to work around resident schedules and building operations
• Check availability for emergency or urgent cleaning requirements

Contract Development and Terms

Essential Contract Elements:

• Detailed scope of work specifying exact areas to be cleaned (external glass, frames, sills, common area windows)
• Cleaning frequency schedule (monthly, quarterly, bi-annually) with specific dates
• Performance standards and quality benchmarks with measurable criteria
• Safety protocols and compliance requirements including risk assessments
• Insurance requirements and liability allocation
• Payment terms, invoicing procedures, and fee adjustment mechanisms
• Termination clauses and notice periods for both parties
• Weather contingency plans and rescheduling procedures

Performance Standards and KPIs:

• Visual cleanliness standards with photographic examples of acceptable results
• Response times for addressing complaints or missed areas
• Safety incident reporting and investigation procedures
• Equipment maintenance and replacement schedules
• Staff presentation and conduct standards when working on-site
• Communication protocols with residents and building management

Ongoing Management and Monitoring

Regular Performance Reviews:

• Conduct monthly or quarterly performance assessments against contract KPIs
• Document and photograph work quality with before/after comparisons
• Track safety incidents, near-misses, and corrective actions implemented
• Monitor resident feedback and complaint resolution effectiveness
• Review cost performance and budget adherence
• Assess contractor’s responsiveness to special requests or changes

Communication and Coordination:

• Establish clear communication channels between contractor and owners corporation manager
• Provide advance notice to residents about scheduled cleaning activities
• Coordinate access requirements including building entry, elevator use, and parking
• Manage any disruptions to common areas or building operations
• Handle resident complaints or concerns professionally and promptly

Safety Management and Compliance

Safety Oversight Responsibilities:

• Ensure contractor provides current risk assessments for all cleaning activities
• Verify compliance with Victorian WorkSafe requirements for work at heights
• Monitor use of appropriate safety equipment and procedures
• Conduct periodic safety audits or inspections of contractor’s work practices
• Maintain records of safety training and certifications for contractor staff
• Establish incident reporting and investigation procedures

Insurance and Liability Management:

• Regularly verify currency of contractor’s insurance policies
• Ensure adequate coverage limits for potential property damage or personal injury
• Clarify liability allocation for damage to windows, frames, or building property
• Maintain owners corporation’s own insurance coverage for contractor-related risks
• Document any incidents or claims promptly and accurately

Cost Management and Budget Control

Financial Oversight:

• Establish clear invoicing procedures with detailed breakdowns of services provided
• Monitor costs against approved budgets and investigate any significant variances
• Negotiate competitive rates through regular market testing or tender processes
• Consider long-term contracts with price escalation clauses tied to CPI or industry indices
• Budget for additional services like emergency cleaning or storm damage response

Value-for-Money Assessment:

• Regularly compare contractor performance and costs against market alternatives
• Assess cost-effectiveness of current cleaning frequency against building appearance needs
• Consider opportunities for service improvements or cost reductions
• Evaluate contractor’s suggestions for efficiency improvements or new techniques

Relationship Management

Building Positive Working Relationships:

• Maintain professional, respectful communication with contractor representatives
• Provide clear, constructive feedback on performance issues
• Recognize and acknowledge exceptional service or safety performance
• Foster collaborative problem-solving for building-specific challenges
• Support contractor’s efforts to improve service delivery or efficiency

Conflict Resolution:

• Establish clear procedures for addressing performance issues or disputes
• Document all concerns and corrective actions in writing
• Set reasonable timeframes for improvement and follow up consistently
• Know when to escalate issues to senior contractor management or consider termination
• Maintain focus on building residents’ interests while being fair to contractors

Technology and Innovation

Embracing Modern Solutions:

• Consider contractors who offer technology-enhanced services like drone inspections or water-fed pole systems
• Evaluate opportunities for more frequent cleaning using cost-effective methods
• Assess environmental benefits of eco-friendly cleaning products and methods
• Consider seasonal adjustment to cleaning schedules based on environmental conditions
• Explore preventive treatments that extend time between cleanings

Documentation and Reporting:

• Use digital platforms for scheduling, reporting, and communication
• Maintain photographic records of work completed and any issues identified
• Track performance data over time to identify trends or areas for improvement
• Provide regular reports to owners corporation committee and residents
• Use data to inform budget planning and service level decisions

This comprehensive approach to contractor management helps ensure that owners corporations receive reliable, safe, and cost-effective window cleaning services while maintaining positive relationships with service providers and meeting residents’ expectations for building maintenance standards.

Financial Implications

Understanding window cleaning responsibilities has important financial implications that extend beyond the immediate costs of cleaning services:

For Owners Corporations:

• Budget allocation for professional cleaning services: This includes not only the direct cost of cleaning contractors but also administrative costs for obtaining quotes, managing contracts, and supervising work. Costs can vary significantly based on building height, window accessibility, environmental factors, and required cleaning frequency. Annual costs can range from hundreds of dollars for small complexes to tens of thousands for large high-rise buildings.
• Insurance considerations for cleaning staff: Owners corporations must ensure adequate public liability insurance covers cleaning activities, and may need to verify that contractors carry appropriate workers compensation and professional indemnity insurance. Insurance premiums may increase based on building risk factors and cleaning frequency.
• Long-term maintenance planning: Regular professional cleaning can extend the life of window seals, frames, and glass by preventing permanent staining, corrosion, or deterioration. However, this must be balanced against the cumulative cost of regular cleaning services. Poor maintenance can lead to expensive repairs or replacement of window systems, potentially costing thousands per unit.

For Lot Owners:

• Individual cleaning costs and time: While internal window cleaning seems minimal, the time investment and cost of cleaning supplies, equipment, and potential professional help for difficult-to-reach internal windows can add up over time. This is particularly relevant for units with large floor-to-ceiling windows or multiple glass doors.
• Potential fee increases for common property cleaning: If owners corporations decide to increase cleaning frequency or upgrade to premium services, this will be reflected in quarterly or annual fees. Lot owners should participate in general meetings and budget discussions to understand and influence these decisions.
• Property value implications of poorly maintained windows: Dirty, stained, or poorly maintained windows significantly impact property appearance and value. This affects both rental potential and resale values. Professional valuers consistently note that well-maintained building exteriors, including clean windows, contribute to higher property valuations and marketability.

Future Considerations

As buildings age and regulations evolve, window cleaning responsibilities may need periodic review to address changing circumstances and ensure ongoing compliance and effectiveness. Consider these factors:

• Changes in building accessibility: Modifications to landscaping, installation of security systems, addition of balcony screens, or structural alterations can affect how safely and easily windows can be accessed. What was once easily reachable from ground level might become hazardous, shifting responsibility from individual owners to the owners corporation. Conversely, new access solutions might make previously difficult areas more manageable.
• New safety regulations: Workplace health and safety laws continue to evolve, potentially requiring different approaches to window cleaning. Changes in Victorian WorkSafe requirements for safety equipment, training standards, insurance coverage, or risk assessments might necessitate updates to existing arrangements and rules.
• Updated owners corporation legislation: The Victorian government periodically reviews and updates the Owners Corporations Act and related regulations, which can affect how maintenance responsibilities are allocated or how disputes are resolved. Recent amendments have provided clearer guidance on common property maintenance and dispute resolution processes.
• Building renovation impacts: Major building improvements, facade updates, window replacements, or structural modifications can fundamentally change cleaning requirements and responsibilities. Installation of new window types, building maintenance units, or accessibility features might require complete revision of existing cleaning arrangements and rules under the owners corporation’s Plan of Subdivision.

Conclusion

Window cleaning in owners corporation schemes doesn’t have to be a source of confusion or conflict. By understanding the fundamental principles of Victorian owners corporation law, reviewing your specific rules and Plan of Subdivision, and maintaining clear communication with your owners corporation committee, you can ensure that windows are properly maintained while respecting everyone’s rights and responsibilities.

Remember that when in doubt, it’s always better to seek clarification from your owners corporation manager or professional advice rather than making assumptions. A well-maintained building benefits everyone, and clear understanding of responsibilities is the first step toward achieving this goal.

Whether you’re a lot owner wondering about your obligations or an owners corporation committee trying to establish clear policies, taking the time to understand and document window cleaning responsibilities under Victorian law will save time, money, and potential disputes in the long run.