This page provides an overview of the key requirements and issues from the Hamilton Park Rules and Handbook.
Introduction
Unit owners must ensure that the unit is in a state of good repair (Rule 1.3), while the owners corporation is responsible for maintenance of the common property (Unit Titles (Management) Act Division 3.3, Section 24).
Specifications for colours, roofing and fences
The specifications for colours, roofing and fences are set out in Annexure A1, linked here:
The Executive Committee (EC) can approve exceptions to these specifications. Contact the Strata Manager if any questions about the specifications or wishing to seek an exemption.
Insurance
The owners corporation insurance covers buildings and public liability claims that occur on common property. The owners corporation’s insurance does not cover contents or items such as carpet, curtains and light fittings. The owners corporation recommends that unit owners have their own insurance for contents, fittings and public liability within their own units.
Contact the Strata Manager as soon as possible regarding any potential insurance claim. The Strata Manager will notify the EC of any claims, to enable monitoring of costs and any broader issues.
Responsibility for maintenance
Unit owner: Rule 1.3 sets out the responsibility for a unit owner to maintain their unit so it is in a good state of repair. This includes the enclosed courtyard within the boundary of the unit’s title.
Owners corporation: The owners corporation will maintain (as set out under S24 of the UT(M)A, extracting those clauses relevant for Hamilton Park):
- the common property
- other property that it holds
- if a utility service is the subject of an easement for the potential benefit of all units, facilities associated with the provision of the utility services including utility conduits.
Responsibility for facilities and utility services
In practice, the last dot point above means that if a facility (such as a drain) is within a unit boundary and for the benefit of a single unit, it is the responsibility of that unit owner. However, if the facility is for the benefit of multiple units, then it is, in effect, an easement within the unit boundary and the responsibility of the owners corporation.
This principle also applies in reverse. That is, if a facility for the benefit of a single unit is on common property, it is in effect an easement for the benefit of that unit, and is the responsibility of the unit owner. Note that this is not always straightforward to determine, as explained in the Owners Corporation Network ACT page on Maintenance (https://www.ocnact.org.au/maintenance).
If a unit owner requires maintenance of a utility service that may be the responsibility of the owners corporation, then they should, where possible, notify the Strata Manager prior to any work being undertaken. However, if the matter is urgent or the cause unforeseen, they should notify the EC as soon as possible after the immediate response, providing details of the source of the problem and the units affected. Where confirmed as the responsibility of the owners corporation, the cost will be paid/reimbursed.
Responsibility for gardens in front of units
The gardens between the unit boundary (fence for single-storey 3-bedroom units or front window eave for other units) and the roadway are common property. In practice, maintenance for these has been shared between unit owners and the owners corporation.
The owners corporation will ensure that any vegetation is cut back from the roadway, signs and lighting, to ensure accessibility and safety for all residents.
Where owners maintain the garden in front of their unit boundary, they should ensure that it is neat and tidy, and must ask for owners corporation approval for any structures such as raised garden beds or paving. The owners corporation will notify owners of any work that impacts on the garden in front of their unit.
An owner can request the owners corporation undertake essential maintenance of the common property garden in front of their unit, as required.
Fence maintenance
All fencing on the boundary/within the entitlement of the Unit is the responsibility of the individual owner. Dividing fences between units are the shared responsibility of the respective unit owners (noting this may involve more than two units, depending on situation).
All repairs, replacements and repainting must be completed in accordance with the fencing specifications in Annexure A1.
Erections and alterations
Rule 1.4 sets out the requirements for any erections or alterations to units, including the types of erections and alterations that require EC approval.
Owners should contact the Strata Manager prior to undertaking any work to confirm the appropriate process.
Erections and alterations not requiring approval
For the following erections and alterations, which are listed in Rule 1.4 (1) (a), no formal permission is needed, as long as the changes are not structural and are consistent with the specifications in Annexure A1. The owner should notify the EC of the work, and the Strata Manager will keep a record of modifications to assist with any future insurance claims.
Changes requiring notification, not permission:
- changes that are internal and not structural (that is, not requiring ACT Government planning or development approval), including renovations of kitchens or bathrooms
- installation of an airconditioning unit, evaporative cooler unit or heat pump for hot water services, where the external unit is fully contained within the property boundary
- installation of solar panels
- installation of roof ventilators and exhausts for rangehoods, dryers etc
- replacement of a window or door, where no change to the overall dimensions
- installation of awnings and roller shutters
- replacement of fences
- replacement or installation of gates within rear fences
- installation of decks, ensuring that they do not block access to infrastructure such as drains.
For erections and alterations not listed, or outside the specifications in Annexure A1, the express permission of the EC is required.
Updated February 2026