Luxury residence under fire over rules: ‘The worst place to reside’
In the heart of Sydney's Lower North Shore, a towering structure of glass and steel promises a life of luxury and exclusivity.
The Landmark, with its $18 million penthouse and sweeping views of Sydney Harbour, was designed to be the epitome of upscale urban living.
Marketed as 'a true oasis’, this 43-storey building boasts amenities that would make any city dweller's heart flutter: a pool deck, harbour-view roof gardens, and the allure of a prestigious address. But beneath the glossy surface, a storm of discontent brews among its residents.
What seems like a slice of paradise has left some feeling more confined than liberated.
The Landmark, which has made appearances on the show Luxe Listings Sydney, has been subjected to a barrage of criticism from those who call it home. With a Google rating that languishes at a dismal 2.3 out of five stars, the building's management and regulations have come under fire.
The Landmark is shortlisted for the 2021 Urban Developer Awards in Excellence in Construction. Image Source: Facebook/The Landmark Quarter Sydney
Describing their experience as akin to being in a ‘big prison’, current and former residents have voiced their frustrations, pointing fingers at what they perceive as unreasonable management and excessive regulations.
One scathing review warns potential buyers not to be 'deceived by the attractive pictures’, while another resident advises others to 'AVOID LIVING IN THIS BUILDING AT ALL COSTS!!!,’ adding, ‘It’s the worst place to reside in Sydney.'
The complaints extend to allegedly ‘punitive’ parking rules, with some residents feeling as though they're living under constant surveillance.
The parking situation, in particular, has become a sore point. Residents have expressed their exasperation with the building's visitor parking rules, which they describe as overly strict and unreasonable.
The policy, which reportedly classifies anyone visiting more than once a week as a 'tenant', has led to confusion and fines. One resident recounts being slapped with a $350 fine after their friends used the visitor parking over the weekend.
Bill McGowan, Chairman and Secretary of The Landmark's Strata committee, refutes these claims, stating that the building has never issued fines for by-law noncompliance, and that permits for longer-stay visitors can be obtained.
But the grievances don't stop at parking woes. Residents have reported unsettling instances of drones flying around the building, allegedly used to monitor compliance with balcony regulations.
The thought of being watched by mechanical eyes in the sky has left some feeling like they're in a high-tech prison rather than a luxury apartment complex.
McGowan, however, denies any use of drones by the owner's corporation or the building management.
The sense of being monitored extends to the newsletters circulated within The Landmark, which have been accused of publicly shaming rule-breakers.
Rubbish disposal has also become a contentious issue, with reports of blocked chutes and a building-wide email threatening the permanent closure of the chute if misuse continued.
McGowan attributes these blockages to tenants disposing of unauthorised items and their reluctance to sort rubbish properly.
Adding to the list of complaints is the condition of the basement, described by one resident as 'musty' and plagued by water issues. Despite the installation of plastic wall covers by the developers, the resident said the underlying water ingress problem remained unresolved, prompting them to sell their property.
In response, McGowan points out that the developer disclosed that the basement carpark is a wet wall area to all purchasers ‘prior to settlement’.
Communication, or the lack thereof, has been another point of contention. Residents claim that attempts to address their concerns are met with silence, making it nearly impossible to resolve any issues.
McGowan counters this by assuring that his contact information is readily available and that building managers are on hand during business hours, supplemented by a 24-hour concierge service.
The building's amenities, too, have not been spared from criticism, with reports of the pool, gym, and sauna frequently being out of order.
McGowan explains that the pool area's closure is due to warranty issues and that the Strata Committee is actively working to resolve these problems before the warranty period expires.
The Landmark has an indoor lap pool that has a custom-designed mosaic. Image Source: Facebook/The Landmark Quarter Sydney.
The Landmark is also a pet-friendly building, but this has led to its own set of problems. Instances of pets urinating and defecating in common areas have been noted, with some tenants allegedly neglecting to clean up after their pets.
Despite the litany of complaints, McGowan stands firm on the necessity of by-laws, which are designed to protect the interests of all residents and comply with the NSW Strata Schemes Management Act.
He emphasises that these rules are in place for the benefit of the community and that compliance is essential for maintaining the quality of life within the building.
The situation at The Landmark raises important questions about the balance between luxury living and personal freedoms.
As the residents' revolt continues to simmer, it's clear that the glossy facade of this Sydney skyscraper hides a complex and deeply felt dissatisfaction. For those considering a move to seemingly greener upscale pastures, these revelations serve as a cautionary tale: paradise may not be all it's cracked up to be.
We invite our readers to share their experiences with apartment living, particularly in high-end complexes. Have you encountered similar issues? How have you navigated the challenges of strata living?
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