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…
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 third question: True or False? Smoking is banned in all…
A LookUpStrata reader wanted to know what can be done about a lack of privacy in their apartment due to a common walkway directly outside of their door and patio. Unfortunately, if the area in question is properly categorised as common property and there are no by-laws restricting access to that area, there is little…
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 first question: True or False? On 30 November, the old…
This question from a lot owner concerning registering strata bylaws was submitted to LookUpStrata. Another owner in the building advised the Executive Committee that the local council had ordered him to convert the apartment, which was originally built as 2 units, back into one apartment. He subsequently started this work, including some upgrades. Our LookUpStrata…
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…
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…
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!
Our CEO, Leanne Habib, provided a response to a LookUpStrata reader’s question regarding sanding and polishing floorboards. In short the answer is ‘it depends’. If the flooring was installed at the time of construction, has not been altered since by an individual owner(s) and is affixed to the common property floor slab within your lot,…
The recent reform of NSW strata laws generated some media interest in smoking in strata buildings. This is because the NSW Government said that the new strata laws would make clear that smoking and secondhand smoke exposure could constitute a nuisance that could be outlawed. So, what can be done about smoking in strata buildings? Can smoking be…
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…
We have written about the Strata Law reforms before, however our friends at Clinch Long Letherbarrow Lawyers have written a great article on the NSW Strata Law Reforms that we wanted to share with you. The article summarises the key changes the new laws are expected to bring. These include: By-laws – under the new…
The latest Flat-Chat column in The Domain covers what you can do in case your Owners Corporation does not pro-actively want to deal with strata by-law breaches. It is worth the read! Hit this link.
Some Friday afternoon entertainment: We came across this short, seven questions quiz on parking in strata titled buildings by Jimmy Thomson from FlatChat. Hit this link, and don’t forget to let us know how you go!
When you are considering renovating your strata unit, apartment, townhouse or villa there are a number of important aspects to consider before you start any work: 1. Check applicable by-laws and seek prior approval by the Owners Corporation. 2. Check with your local council to see if your proposed works require a development application to be…
The keeping of pets in strata buildings often generate strong reactions from owners. Many buildings have adopted bylaws stating that the keeping of pets of any kind are not permitted. A pet can be defined as “a domesticated animal kept, looked after and fed for pleasure rather than utility”. However, what if the animals in…