NSW Strata Asking Doormats to be Removed?

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8 August 2017
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Our strata is claiming we need to remove our doormat. The note they left is as follows:

Door Mats

A recent court case awarded $150,000.00 against a body corporate where a person tripped on a doormat outside a unit (thankfully not ours). We request that doormats be removed as our insurance policy doesn't cover if any accident occurs when a person trips over a doormat. It is our understanding that unit owners insurance also does not cover such an accident.

1) Was there such a court case (mentioned in the note)?

2) Can they really compel us?

Any help would be greatly appreciated
 

Rob Legat - SBPL

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1) Don't know, but wouldn't surprise me if there's something along those lines.

2) Yes. If your door mat is on common property then (a) the body corporate can make directions about items that are on it and (b) they are potentially liable for damages which result from those items if they didn't take reasonable steps to remove the risk.
 
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