Question: What is the protocol for a lot owner to have automatic garage door openers installed to an existing garage door in a Strata Complex? We all have our own individual garages; however, I am curious to know if there is any protocol for having such a device installed. Answer: It is more likely to…
Question: Before I owned my apartment, another lot owner was given exclusive use of common property. The area is quite large and I’m perturbed I no longer have access. Is there anything I can do? Answer: While it is difficult, it is not unheard of that an exclusive use by-law be repealed. It is…
With strata communities in NSW adjusting to the major reforms that came in to effect on 30 November 2016, some frequently asked questions have started to emerge. Fair Trading NSW have listed the most frequently asked questions, and the answers. Test your knowledge of the new strata laws with the questions below! Q: Will some…
A LookUpStrata reader wanted to know what the process and procedures are for the Body Corporate Committee when contacting an owner regarding a breach of the bylaws. Can one member of the Body Corporate Committee send their own letter to a lot owner without contacting other members of the Body Corporate to discuss? In my…
Jimmy Thomson from the Flat-Chat column has written an interesting article on the coming changes to strata by-law breaches. In summary, fines will double and for the first time these fines will typically be paid to the strata plan. If the offender reoffends within 12 months, the fines increase dramatically to thousands of dollars, creating…
This is one from the archives: a LookUpStrata reader wanted to understand whether there are any restrictions regarding the increase of strata levies to boost a sinking fund, and whether there is a limit to the frequency at which special levies are raised. Read the full question, and our detailed response by following this link.
Some time ago we posted on new window safety requirements, which will come into effect on 13 March 2018. “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…
A LookUpStrata reader send in a question around the requirement on registering by-laws. The reader lives in a complex where an apartment, that were originally divided into two apartments by the developer, is being converted back into one unit. You can read the original question, and my response by hitting this link!
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On 23 February 2016, the Governance Institute of Australia hosts an information evening on the changes in Strata law. It covers important knowledge on current and future strata law; how the changes will impact you, explain strategies for dealing with the challenges of being in an Owners Corporation, go through what you can and can’t do with respect to your…
The team at Premium Strata wishes you an enjoyable festive season and a healthy and happy New Year! Our office will be closed from Tuesday 22nd December 2015 and reopen on Monday 11th January 2016. Should there be an emergency during this period please refer to the emergency trade list located on the notice board within your…
The team at Kerin Benson Lawyers has written this handy fact sheet which summarises what you need to know before you start work to improve your strata lot. The general rule is that if you are altering the common property in any way, you will need to get a by-law passed before doing the work. The…
Our very own Inger Brettle is quoted in this article on 10 tips for Strata Buying Success, which you can find on the ‘Which Investment property’ website. Keep you eye open for tip #9, where you find Inger’s recommendation on obtaining a Strata Inspection Report before you purchase a strat titled unit. Hit this link for…
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….
Our own Leanne Habib helped our friends at LookUp Strata with a reader query regarding strata levies. You can see our response here.
The team at Kerin Benson Lawyers wrote an article on safety issues in strata titled buildings in Australia.They give 3 main reasons for why fire and life safety issues are still making headlines: 1.) The, what appears to be, endemic nature of building defects in buildings in Australia. “In a survey completed by the City Futures…
LookUp Strata has published an article on proxy voting following a question received by a reader. This article is based on a response prepared by Premium Strata’s very own Leanne Habib. Hit this link for the full article!
As part of its update of various strata laws, the NSW Government is proposing a 2 per cent defects bond on all new strata buildings, as a way to protect owners and to guarantee that building defects which might appear in the first two years, can be re-mediated. This new measure is expected to be…
In a win for mixed use strata schemes, the NSW Government’s amendments to the Smoke-free Environment Act 2000 (NSW) mean that smoking is now banned in all commercial outdoor eating areas; and within a place that is within within 4 metres of a public building that contain a restaurant or a venue with a liquor license….
We have written a new article explaining how successful strata title scheme meetings, such as Annual General Meetings (AGMs) and Extraordinary General Meetings (EGMs) should be run. We cover the meeting notification, proxy’s, voting instructions, meeting quorums and typical strata motions you can expect to find on your agenda. Hit this link for the full article, and…