For those who like statistics, we have some numbers that might interest you. A total of 76,733 Strata Schemes were registered in NSW in February 2017. SCA (NSW) reports that as of February 2017 there were 821,044 strata lots registered with the NSW Land and Property Information (LPI), which is a significant 12,668 lots or 1.6%…
We provided a response to a LookUpStrata reader, who wanted to know the appropriate steps to take to obtain approval for renovating a strata unit. In summary, this owner should have a lawyer prepare a common property rights by-law for inclusion in an agenda of the Owners Corporation. They will also need a Section 108 motion…
A LookUpStrata reader discovered they’d been using the wrong parking space and wanted to know what rights they have to get their actual allocated car parking space as per the contract of sale. In short, the strata plan allocations of car spaces will usually override any practices/use by the individual owners/occupiers. We recommended that the…
A LookUpStrata reader wanted to know whether a tenant and a landlord of the same unit could hold positions in executive committee? In summary, this is not permissible. Only one of them, either the tenant or the landlord, can seek nomination. The response prepared is based on the assumption that it is the owner nominating his…
“To prevent children falling from windows, all strata buildings in NSW must be fitted with devices that enable their windows to be locked at 12.5cm when the devices are engaged. Owners corporations must have devices installed on all common property windows above the ground floor by 13 March 2018. If the window safety requirements are…
A LookUpStrata reader wanted to know who is responsible for maintaining an individual unit’s ducted air conditioning systems when their main components are located outside the Lot’s boundaries. The short answer is: it depends. The test for determining whose responsibility repair & maintenance befalls is whether or not there is an exclusive use by-law registered. You can…
A LookUpStrata reader wanted to know what could be done about inappropriate parking behaviour by other residents. We recommend that they gather evidence and notify the strata manager or strata committee to enforce the by-laws applicable to the scheme. Steps could be taken for the Owners Corporation to enter into an agreement with local council for…
A LookUpStrata reader wanted to know whether the Executive Committee was bound to solicit and present three competitive quotes for any substantial work requiring Capital Works Funding. In summary, our response was that under the new strata legislation introduced on 30 November 2016 it appears that the need for three quotes is only a requirement for…
As the NBN rolls out across Australia, your telecommunications providers existing fixed line networks are being progressively disconnected. Monitored fire alarms and lift phones that have been operating on Telstra’s, Optus’ and other providers’ networks will cease to operate unless they are migrated to an alternative network before disconnection happens. A temporary arrangement has been…
A LookUpStrata reader with a disabled parking permit wanted to know whether he was allowed to use the visitors car park disabled spot. This owner has 2 parking spots allocated to his apartment, however is having difficulty get in and out of his car when parked in these spots. In summary, the owner is not…
We provided a response to another LookUpStrata readers question. The reader wanted to know who is responsible for the repair of a retaining wall in the back yard of a strata-titled town house. Generally retaining walls are common property; however, this can vary from building to building. The strata plan will generally depict the boundaries of lot…
We were honored and excited to have been interviewed by the Australian Business Executive. The article titled “Premium Strata: Diamond Guarantee” was published in the Q1 2017 edition of their magazine. We discussed the history of Premium Strata, the points of difference Premium Strata is offering our customers, our sister company Premium Building Management, the recently introduced legislative…
City of Sydney council is offering a number of grants and sponsorships in support of environmental initiatives, such as saving water and/or electricity. Grants of up to $10,000 are available to successful applicants. Applications open 8 February, and close on 13 March 2017. For more information, please follow this link!
Leanne provided a response to a LookUpStrata reader’s question regarding proxy voting forms. Click this link to read the full question, and our response.
We provided a response to a LookUpStrata readers question. The owner wanted to know whether it was always required to have a motion covering the minutes of the previous meeting. The short answer is that this is indeed the case. Read the full question and our response by following this link.
Leanne provided a response to another LookUpStrata readers’s question. The owner wanted to understand whether a strata lawyer is able to represent the Owners Corporation against an individual lot owner, and how the new legislation, introduced on 30 November 2016, applies to this particular case. Read the full question, and our response by following this link.
Premium Strata would like to wish you an enjoyable festive season and a happy New Year! Our office will be closed from Tuesday 20 December 2016 and reopen on Monday 9 January 2017. Should there be an emergency during this period please refer to the emergency trade list located on the notice board within your building….
Leanne provided a response to a LookUpStrata reader’s question, who wanted to know whether despite a lack of meeting notice and agenda these meetings and decisions are still valid. This is a great question, and in summary the answer is that the failure to post minutes and give proper notice as required under the Strata…
After many years of discussions and consultation, today the new strata laws are finally coming into effect! At Premium Strata we have been working very hard to ensure that our team is fully trained and that all our processes and templates reflect the new requirements. We would like to thank our team for all their hard…
As we count down to the 30th of November, we wanted to test your knowledge of the new strata legislation through a number of quiz questions. Over the coming 2 weeks we will publish 5 questions and answers. Why not have a go? Today our fifth and final question: True or False? Tenants can now…