 If you rent, own or manage a unit, townhouse or apartment, there may be additional body corporate rules that apply as part of community living. Here in Queensland, the RTA administers residential tenancy laws and the Office for the Commissioner for Body Corporate and Community Management provides information and assistance on body corporate legislation. This includes the rules on what owners, managers and tenants need to know and comply with. There are many benefits to living in an apartment or townhouse which usually includes no or very low garden maintenance, security, location and having a real sense of community. However, greater consideration is required as a good neighbour when living in close proximity to each other and sharing common areas. Most complexes will have a set of body corporate bylaws or rules which are specific to the individual building. They can vary depending on the type of complex and what facilities may be included. In general, the bylaws are there to help create a harmonious living conditions for everyone and if the rules are broken, the body corporate has a pathway to take further action. Under Queensland tenancy laws, the property owner or manager needs to give a copy of the relevant bylaws to the tenant as they form part of the tenancy agreement. Take the time to read and understand the bylaws as they can inform you on whether there are any restrictions or additional requirements you may not be aware of. A breach of a body corporate bylaw is a breach of the tenancy agreement and a notice to remedy breach can be issued to rectify the issue. The body corporate may also take action by issuing a contravention notice. Typical complaints arising in a complex can relate to noise and quiet enjoyment, smoking or secondhand smoke, car parking, the use or damage of common facilities and pet behaviour. Disputes between neighbours or with building management can occur if there has been a breach of the bylaw or legislation or in some instances can escalate because of a conflict of personalities. Respect, being a good neighbour and good communication is key in community living. When it comes time for repairs, it's important to note that most repairs inside the unit, apartment or townhouse will fall to the property manager or owner to rectify. As an example, a leaking tap or a stove repair, whereas repairs required for external parts of the property may fall to the body corporate to rectify. And as an example, this could be a leaking roof. To add a fixture to the external part of the complex or make an improvement may also require body corporate approval first. You should check the bylaws relevant to your complex or seek guidance from the body corporate manager or committee members. A body corporate manager is engaged by the body corporate to manage their responsibilities under body corporate laws. This is a different role to a rental or property manager or an on-site building manager. While we have focused on tenancy agreements, bylaws and living in a body corporate, the property owner also has requirements under the body corporate and community management act 1997. For more information on the body corporate rules, forms or resolving body corporate disputes, please visit the body corporate commissioners office website. For more information on Queensland tenancy laws, please visit the RTA's website at rta.qld.gov.au or call our friendly team on 1300 366 311.