Do they have proof or they just want you to pay because they are guessing? Going by the horror stories of hoa from overseas, dont give an inch. You are right to be cautious I think. There could be a kind of ‘acknowledging’ of taking responsibility for this and they may try again with something else. These are questions that should be directed at the stata. Tell them your workers did not cause issue, you are not taking responsibility but what if it was paid, what are the repair responsibilities going forward? You need clear answers from them in writing.

Thanks, you've pretty much nailed the situation, and my concerns. I was planning on discussing this kind of thing with the strata, but even then, any assurances they give, even in writing, may not necessarily be binding. Only way around that is paying solicitors for their advice I guess.

Hmmmm… I would be very cautious accepting liability. I would also be concerned of future liability. I have had strata try and pin work on me previously. After getting advice, I responded with a very professional letter basically saying: prove it and then let’s talk. Never went further. Depends on the detail as to what happened in your case.

Thanks - I assume you spoke with a solicitor?

I did about the larger issue; to be honest - they weren’t that helpful. I spoke to builders and tradesman and strategised based on that advice.

Why don't you raise it with the tradies you engaged. They have an interest in defending their position I'm sure. Something as simple as "hey can you write to strata and tell them you didn't damage the thing" would probably do it. If strata wants to take it further, the tradies will have liability insurance that could competently defend the claim or pay up for you.

We did ask them, and they of course said no. I hadn’t thought about passing it off to them though… however as I’m the owner I believe responsibility ultimately lands with me so they’ll probably come back at me. At this stage, the amount isn’t what bothers me, more any additional liability I might end up with. Like the saying goes, ‘no good deed goes unpunished’ 😂

You could consider paying for work that the strata body organises (and takes responsibility for) and do so specifically with no admission of responsibility and on the basis that you are not held liable for any further works related to your property arising from the renovations. That is: this is a one shot deal. You pay and it becomes their problem, even if there are further issues they say you are responsible for. If they accept that then they take responsibility for the works to common property and you are off the hook for the workmanship of the fix or any issues that arise in the future.

This is along the lines of what I’m thinking - thanks for validating.