Ask Premium Strata – Parking Bay Allocation

Parking Bay Allocation After reading your article on Strata News on towing parking offenders from common property, I was hoping you could give us some advice with an ongoing issue we have on parking. Parking issues take up far too much time in strata! We are in Sydney and we have a tenant residing in…

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Q&A Overcrowding and Number of Occupants in NSW Apartments

Question: If an apartment is tenanted, how many occupants are allowed in a 2 bedroom unit? I suspect overcrowding in the apartment next door to ours. Answer: You would need a by-law which stipulates occupancy limits. Subject to anything contained in the development approval for the building, you would need a by-law which stipulates occupancy limits and…

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NSW: Q&A Can A Strata Bylaw Set a Size Limit for Dogs?

  Question: My Owners Corporation has a bylaw setting a size limit for dogs in our building. Is this reasonable? How can I know how big my puppy will get? Answer: There are all types of pets by-laws including those with weight restrictions. There are all types of pets by-laws including those with weight restrictions – we…

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NSW: Q&A The First AGM, Building Defects and the Statutory Warranty

Question: What should lot owner’s know at the First AGM regarding building defects? Do we need to know about enforcing statutory warranties? Answer: The owners corporation needs to enforce the statutory warranties – depending on the contract date for the works. The system is based on self- help. The owners corporation needs to enforce the statutory warranties…

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NSW: Repeated Breaches – The Washings on the Balcony!

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 hanging of washing on the balcony practices. Answer: Issue a notice to comply with the washing on the balcony bylaw and then pursue the matter through NCAT….

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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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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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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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NSW: Q&A Can I Put a Sign Up On My Apartment?

  Question: Can I have a political sign displayed on my apartment? I own the apartment. Does this rule also apply for ‘For Sale’ signs on apartments? Answer: Some buildings have specific signage by-laws prohibiting any signage whatsoever, with an approval process even in case of real estate ‘For Sale’ signage. Yes, buildings can restrict…

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