Property problems: Flat rates and other issues of inner-city life

I recall that when I bought the place I paid my share of the outgoings for the rest of the year but I am fairly sure that those 12 months are just about up and I still haven't heard anything. What should I do?

A. You are correct in your recollection that you would have paid "your share" of the outgoings relating to the apartment when you purchased it. You should have paid for the local body and regional council rates and your share of the contribution to the body corporate which manages the apartment building.

Your lawyer would have received a "settlement statement" setting out the proportionate share of the rates and contributions you and the vendor have to pay. Usually the vendor is responsible for making sure those payments are up to date at the time of settlement. If you agree to pay the vendor for the balance of the year, then the vendor is responsible for making sure that those payments are made as well.

Your solicitor should have also received a section 36 certificate. This is a requirement under the Unit Titles Act and is supplied by the body corporate. It shows you:

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