Question: Is a member of an Executive Committee eligible to vote on a motion they put forward? I understand the Committee members have a responsibility to make decisions on behalf of all lot owners, not for personal gain. Answer: You are correct. You are correct. SCHEDULE 2 – Meeting procedures of strata committees of the Strata…
Question: A builder has confirmed I have water between my tiles and the waterproofing layer in my bathroom. I have contacted strata. What do I do now? I had noticed something wrong with the grout in my bathroom and my metal door frames are starting to get corrosion on them. I organised for a…
Question: We have complaints about our Strata Manager. What is the best way to remind our Strata Manager she is working for us? She borders on bullying. We have complaints about our Strata Manager. What is the best way to remind our Strata Manager she is working for us & sometimes a little bit…
Question: My balcony cannot be viewed from any common property. Can I retile my balcony as long as the finish is in keeping with the building without OC approval for the renovations being asked? I appreciate that maintenance and replacement of my balcony structure and it’s waterproof membrane are the responsibility of our Strata….
Question: We are selling our apartment. The purchasers have advised that our car space is shown as Common Property. What can we do? We’ve lived in the same Villa for 17 years. We decided to sell a while ago and received an offer last week, which we accepted. We received an email from our…
Question: Our Strata committee has 6 members. Can any 3 strata members form a quorum without communicating with the other strata members? Our Strata committee has six members. I am told a quorum is three members. Do the six strata members have to be notified before a meeting or decision is to be discussed or…
Question: Who is responsible for the maintenance and repair of outdoor lights on each of the townhouse walls in both front and back yard? These external lights were installed when the townhouses were originally built. Answer: The exterior lights would likely be your responsibility. While we have not seen your by-laws or notations on…
Question: Can a vote on a decision be raised after a decision and expense has occurred? Under what circumstances does a decision require a special resolution? And who decides a special resolution is appropriate? Answer: Once an expense has been incurred and paid for it is difficult to reverse Once an expense has been…
Question: Is it necessary to record the names of movers and seconders in the Strata Committee minutes? What are the ramifications if those details are not recorded? Answer: There is no express requirement in the strata legislation to record such names, but you could record the names if you wanted to. There is no express requirement in the…
Question: Can a husband and wife both hold positions on a strata committee? Answer: Provided the rules on nominations were strictly observed at the time of their appointment, there is no restriction on a husband and wife both being on the strata committee. For the full question and our detailed response, visit the original…
Question: At no cost to the owners corporation, we’d like to paint an unpainted common area exterior wall. How can we get this action sanctioned and take advantage of this improvement? It has been suggested that we have some unsightly unpainted interior walls in our complex spruced up with a coat of paint. Currently,…
Question: We wish to change strata managers. What is the procedure regarding the Strata Management company during this process? Do they have a vote? Can they vote against the change? Answer: Care must be exercised to comply with the terms of the contract appointing the current Strata Management Company and with the strata legislation….
As of October 1st the NSW Government will apply an increase to the New South Wales Emergency Services Levy (ESL). This will see the NSW Government increase the ESL contribution target for 2020-21. New South Wales has been hit with fires and floods in 2020 and the ESL contributes to funding for all emergency…
Question: I’m renovating my unit’s flooring. The flooring has magnesite and needs to be repaired by the Owners Corporations first. Should they draft the bylaw for the renovation? I am renovating my entire Unit’s Flooring. The Strata Committee is requesting that prior to doing any flooring renovations, the magnesite needs to be completely removed…
Question: My townhouse has a compact garden with a tiled patio and lawn (within my lot). Can I take up the patio and reconfigure my outdoor landscaping to better suit my taste? Do I need approval? Answer: Yes, you need approval by way of a by-law Yes, you need approval by way of a…
Question: The apartment upstairs had some water leakages which has damaged my apartment. Am I responsible for repairs to the damage inside my unit? I own an apartment in NSW which is tenanted and agent managed. The apartment upstairs had some water leakages which has damaged both the duct connecting the floors as well…
Question: Is a Council DA required for owners wishing to install Air Conditioning? Answer: you should consult Council before your installation and some Councils have AC as an “exempt” or “complying development”. For the full question and our detailed response, visit the original publication at Look Up Strata. Do you have a question relating to…
Question: Our strata is demanding that we don’t store anything other than a car in our car spot? Is this Legal? If the boxes are neat and tidy, why can’t we store them in our parking lot? Answer: Your scheme may have the standard by-law 17, or have a specific by-law for prohibition of…
Question: Are bylaws allowed to specifically prohibit ownership of dogs whilst cats and other animals are subject to approval? The bylaws in my building require pets (except for fish) to be approved by the strata committee. However there is a specific clause which prohibits dogs (with the exception of guidance & hearing assistance dogs)….
Question: What law now governs the towing of motor vehicles? Answer: From 1st July 2020, new laws regarding the disposal of goods abandoned on the common property came into effect. From 1st July 2020, new laws regarding the disposal of goods abandoned on the common property came into effect. The regulation of the treatment…