Unpaid Body Corporate Fees?

Question

Hi, I recently purchased an appartment, and shortly after settlement I received an invoice from the body corp, should should amounts owing from settlement date, and also amounts in arrear prior to settlement date. I had paid the amount owing from settlement date and advised body corp that I will not be paying the amounts in arrear as they occured before settlement due to the previous owner. However, they threatened me with legal action if I did not pay the outstanding amount.

Can anyone tell me of my position, because from law you are only responsible for the goods from purchase date, you do not retain past liabilities.

Thank you

Heng

Answer 1

Both of the previous answers are correct - all outstanding money that is owing - rates, body corporate fees, etc - is paid out at settlement.  It is important to see your solicitor or conveyancing officer if the body corporate is threatening legal action.  

Answer 2

Not sure if you're in Oz or not .... if you are - any outstanding bills in relation to your unit, eg, land rates, water usage, strata levies, should have been cleared upon settlement by your solicitor.  So say for example the cost of your unit was $100k, and outstanding bills including levies came to $500, the seller should have only rec'd $99,500 for his unit and your solicitor should have used the rest of your money to clear the bills etc.

Answer 3

Bec is right. I suggest speak to your solicitor again who did the conveyancing, there should be a settlement adjustment statement that shows what's what is owed at that point of time etc.