If a water leak originates from a plumbing fixture within a strata lot and causes damage to another strata lot, who is initially responsible for paying the strata corporation's insurance deductible?

Question: If a water leak originates from a plumbing fixture within a strata lot and causes damage to another strata lot, who is initially responsible for paying the strata corporation's insurance deductible?

Answer options:

• The strata corporation through its contingency reserve fund.
• The owner whose property was damaged. ✅ The owner of the strata lot where the leak originated, if the bylaws allow for charge-backs.
• The strata manager's personal insurance.

Correct answer: The owner of the strata lot where the leak originated, if the bylaws allow for charge-backs.

Explanation: Many strata bylaws include provisions allowing the strata corporation to charge back the insurance deductible to an owner if the damage originated from their strata lot, especially due to their actions or negligence.