Dynamic Property Services, strata manager at Eastgate Towers, site of a gas explosion last Monday, is working closely with apartment owners, real estate agents, insurers and Waverley Council to provide as much assistance to residents as possible.
Wally Patterson, Managing Director of Dynamic Property Services, said owner-occupiers would be able to claim reasonable expenses incurred for emergency accommodation whilst they are unable to use their apartment. This was covered by owners' corporation insurance.
While this insurance does not cover emergency accommodation costs incurred by the building's tenants, those residents were entitled to suspend their rental payments, which could be used to fund alternative accommodation.
"Tenants should contact the real estate agent responsible for collecting their rent about obtaining alternative accommodation," Mr Patterson said.
"We're working with the Office of Fair Trading to ensure all residents' interests are protected.
"We are in the process of compiling a list of real estate agents and serviced apartments in the local area to assist all residents in finding alternative accommodation."
Owners of tenanted apartments were also entitled to claim loss of rent payments through owners' corporation insurance.
All residents unable to retrieve furniture from their apartment and who have contents insurance, should contact their insurer about whether they are covered for renting furniture while in alternative accommodation.
Apartment owners, residents, tenants and real estate agents managing tenanted apartments should have received a letter outlining these arrangements in more detail.
Residents will continue to be provided with information as it comes to hand.
"We appreciate Monday's explosion has caused a huge dislocation in many people's lives," Mr Patterson said.
"Please be assured we are doing everything in our power to assist all residents, owners and renters alike.
"However, engineers are still assessing damage and we are in no position to provide a definitive timeframe on when residents will be able to return to their properties.
"Nevertheless, it is possible residents will be unable to return for several weeks.
"We plan to provide updates via our website (
www.dynamicproperty.com.au
) from next week.
"I thank all residents for their patience during this very difficult time."
For more information:
Benjamin Haslem 0408 887 742