Strata building bond and inspections scheme

THE SCHEME The strata building bond and inspections scheme began on 1 January 2018. It applies to building contracts executed from this date – or where there is no written contract – building work that commences from this date, to construct residential or partially-residential strata properties that are four or more storeys. Buildings that are…

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NSW Q&A: Strata Dispute Resolution: When the OC Breaches NCAT Orders

  Question: During the strata dispute resolution process, if an Owners Corporation breaches court orders, what recourse does the owner have? Answer: The failure by the owners corporation to comply with the NCAT Orders could be the basis upon which to seek the compulsory appointment of a strata manager. The failure by the owners corporation…

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Ask Premium Strata – Centreline Rule

Centreline Rule Question: I have been reading up on your weekly posts regarding the ‘Centreline Rule’ for Strata Plans registered before 1974. I read that Bannermans Lawyers response was that the boundary between lots applies to walls, floors and ceilings etc. Do you agree? What’s your opinion, does it applies to floors? Answer: Great to hear…

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NSW: Q&A Fined for not using the visitor parking spaces

  Question: I was fined for not parking in a visitor parking space at my girlfriend’s apartment. They are pursuing her for the money. Is this parking fine from the owners corporation valid? Answer: Only NCAT has jurisdiction to issue “fines” or “penalties” in this context. Therefore, it is highly unlikely this fine could be enforced. Only…

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Q&A: A Sample Motion for upcoming AGM

Question: I have to write a motion for our upcoming general meeting. I was wondering if I could get a sample motion as I have never written a motion before. Answer: You could start with the below template. THAT The Owners – Strata Plan No. XXXX *RESOLVE/*SPECIALLY RESOLVE to *Delete which does not apply A…

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Changes to the “Postal Rule”

The “postal” rule which used to provide that a document served by post was deemed served on the fourth (4th) working day, has been amended to now provide that a document is deemed served on the seventh (7th) working day after the day of postage. This amendment was effected by Schedule 1.18 of the Justice…

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NSW: Repeated Breaches – The Washings on the Line!

  Question: What action can the Strata Committee take to impose compliance for breaches? A lot owner is amplifying her non-compliance in response to being advised to cease her laundry drying practices. Answer: Issue a notice to comply and then pursue the matter through NCAT. The owner is clearly in breach of the by-law, so…

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We’re moving office!

As of today (December 6), our team is moving office. We appreciate your patience & understanding over the next few days as we transition team members & infrastructure to our new location, and we may be slightly delayed in responding to your emails. Our new address is: Suite 3, Level 2 189 O’Riordan Street Mascot…

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NSW: Q&A Can We Avoid Strata Manager Insurance Commissions?

  Question: Our building insurance is due mid 2019. Is the Owners Corporation able to renew this themselves or must it go through the Strata Management Company? We would prefer not to pay our Strata Manager insurance commissions. Answer: You need to check what your contract states with regard to strata manager insurance commissions. If…

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NSW: Q&A Apartment renovations without approval. Oops … What do we do now?

  Question: We have recently renovated our kitchen without approval from the Owners Corporation. Will have to return the kitchen to the original condition or be fined? Answer: Transparency and pro-activeness is usually the best approach when something like renovations without approval occurs. Kitchen renovations (with works involving waterproofing) are “minor renovations” under the new…

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Ask Premium Strata: Insurance Cover

Q: Another strata management considers that: “all owners have the right to make claims on the buildings insurance”! “the insurance policy covers claims on all owners fixtures and improvements”. S/M quotes Sect 161 part 3 of the Strata Schemes Managements Act 2015 – Parts of building to be covered (a) owners’ improvements and owners’ fixtures forming…

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