Elf and safety madness! Grinch property managers force residents to take down Christmas lights
- Gold Coast apartment tenants have been told to remove Christmas decorations
- Residents at The Phoenician were told by the strata that lights were not allowed
- The bylaws state any hanging of washing, towels or clothing affects the building
- Strata Sphere said Christmas decorations fell into the category of hanging items
Residents at a Gold Coast high rise have been forced to take down their Christmas decorations or risk facing legal action by Grinch property managers.
Long-term residents at The Phoenician Resort at Broadbeach were told last week they were in breach of body corporate laws and ordered to remove Christmas lights.
The building's management, Strata Sphere, notified residents by mail, but residents say it's the first time the rule has been enforced, The Gold Coast Bulletin reported.
Long-term residents at The Phoenician Resort (pictured) at Broadbeach were told last week they were in breach of body corporate laws and ordered to remove the decorations
According to the strata bylaws, the hanging of any item, including washing, towels and Christmas lights, from balconies negatively affects the appearance of the building
According to the city's bylaws, the hanging of any item, including washing, towels and Christmas lights, from balconies affects the appearance of the building.
Only 10 per cent of apartments in the high rise are long term residents and many tenants believe the enforcement comes after a recent complaint from one couple.
Resident Nigel McDowall said the order is disappointing given that he and his daughter have hung Christmas lights on their balcony for the last four years.
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'It's a festive time of year and we do as much as we can to brighten up each other's lives,' Mr McDowall said.
The hospitality manager said Christmas lights are just a small part of celebrating the festive season and being forced to remove them 'because of a by-law is madness'.
Mr Stevens said there are loopholes to stop Grinch-like managers from making tenants forego hanging Christmas decorations
'It goes against everything this time of year is all about. It makes it hard to get excited,' he said.
Director and solicitor at MKW Legal Matt Williams said while Strata Sphere was within its rights to enforce the bylaws, there were times where leniency was often given.
Mr William said it is customary for tenants to seek approval through the usual channels, but most body corporate were lenient to align with community spirit.
Unit Owners Association of Queensland President Wayne Stevens said while the 'hanging' bylaws were commonplace, they usually didn't include Christmas lights.
'It's not as if the lights are going to be there forever, though having said that, the body corporate can exercise its prerogative and if those are the rules in the building then that's it,' he said.
Mr Stevens said for anyone experiencing a particularly Grinch-like manager, there are loopholes that can prevent them from having to forego festive decorations.
He said the best way is to approach property managers ahead of time to seek their approval.
Daily Mail Australia has reached out to Strata Sphere for comment.
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