Q&A: Noise from floor of unit above

  Question: I have a problem with the neighbours upstairs. I hear every footstep as their dining room is directly above me. They have parquetry flooring and no rugs or other floor coverings in their living areas. Visitors to my apartment agree the noise is unbearable. I do not have a good relationship with these…

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NSW: Q&A Water Dripping Over Balcony From the Neighbour Above

  Question: How can I stop my upstairs neighbour from washing down their outdoor area, sometimes with bleach, causing water dripping over my balcony? This disturbs the use of my property. What rights do I have to make them stop? Answer: Your neighbour may not use their lot in such a way that causes nuisance…

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NSW: Q&A Noisy Neighbour Replaced Carpet with Noisy Vinyl

  Question: A noisy neighbour has replaced carpet with vinyl boards. This renovation was done without owners corporation approval. The increased noise transference permitted through the new vinyl flooring is unacceptable to neighbours who have complained accordingly. Answer: The Owners Corporation would need to show their reasonableness in refusing the floorboards for the benefit of…

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Is a by-law prohibiting AirBnB accommodation lawful?

Is a by-law prohibiting AirBnB accommodation lawful? After some 3 years of community and industry consultation, last Tuesday, the NSW government announced its proposed new laws to empower Owners Corporations to ban AirBnB rentals and similar online short-term letting accommodation. Residents will remain unaffected by the proposed new laws. In other words, owners and tenants…

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NSW Q&A: What to do about noise complaints?

A LookUpStrata reader was told by her strata manager that the water pump on the other side of her bedroom wall was within the required limits. The Council inspector who came to measure the noise also confirmed that there was no case for them to take action. She wanted to know if there is anything else…

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How do new strata laws impact DIY renovators?

We covered this in an earlier article on the imminent strata law changes. however we thought this article was worthwhile sharing. In this article, Jimmy Thomson from the Flat Chat column in the Domain explains how DIY renovators need to be mindful that many activities will need prior approval by the strata committee before commencement of…

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Q&A: Neighbours cigarette butts – what can I do?

Leanne has provided a response to a reader’s question received by LookUpStrata. The reader has residents of higher apartments who overlook her balcony, dump waste and cigarettes butts over their balustrades, which end up in her outdoor area. Naturally, the reader wanted to understand what can be done. You can read the full question, and Leanne’s response…

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Q&A: Neighbours causing light nuisance

Leanne has provided a response to a reader’s question received by LookUpStrata. The reader wanted to know what can be done about a bright light shining into their strata unit at night, and keeping them awake. Considering this is light pollution, as a first step the owner should seek mediation. You can read the question, and…

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Q&A: Apartment Parking Space Problems

Leanne provided a response to another reader’s question received by LookUpStrata. The reader wanted to know what to do in order to retain her tenants, who are having apartment parking space problems, and may vacate because of this. You can read the full question, and Leanne’s response by clicking here.  

Letterbox theft in Strata Buildings

Michael Pobi from Pobi Lawyers has written an interesting article about the theft of mail from strata titled buildings. Whether letterboxes are part of Common Property depend on how your specific strata scheme was registered. The registered strata plan for your building will show you the common property boundaries and lot property in the scheme….

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