Homeowners and commercial property owners are responsible for the upkeep of a balcony.
Any balcony can fail if not maintained, which can not only risk injury, but there's also the possibility of serious legal and financial consequences.
There are many different things that can affect the safety of your balcony over time, such as termites, wet rot, corrosion and loading.
As a safety measure, home and commercial property owners of a balcony should introduce a maintenance program.
If there is any doubt or a problem is detected, you should restrict access to the balcony and seek advice from a structural engineer or other suitably qualified building practitioner.
Download further information from the Victorian Building Authority at vba.vic.gov.au under publications and fact sheets, publications A-C, Balconies, decks and balustrades.