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….
The Latest FlatChat column in The Domain covers the very important topic of insurance. It uses an example of a strata unit that was flooded by the upstairs neighbours due to a malfunctioning dishwasher. The owner of the dishwasher acknowledges the cause of the damage to the unit below is from their flooding dishwasher, however did…
The following article was written by Turnbull Bowles Lawyers. It explains the benefits of a Mediation compared to going to Hearing in relation to a building defects claim. It will help you evaluate what is the most suitable step for your building. If a Mediation does not take place between the parties or a Mediation is unsuccessful…
Our friends at Bannermans Lawyers have written a brief overview of what an Owners Corporation can do when they find items dumped on Common Property. Hit this link to read more.
We came across this Flat Chat Quiz on noise in strata titled buildings, and thought you might enjoy it. Hit this link, and let us know how you go! At the bottom of the article you’ll find a link to the NSW Environment Protection Agency, titled ‘Dealing with neighbourhood noise‘, with handy tips and advice.
Jimmy Thomson writes a weekly column in The Domain. He created a quick, tongue-in-cheek, quiz which will help you find out whether pets are allowed in your building. Hit this link to do the test. Don’t forget to let us know how you go!
Noise is one of the most common cause of complaints within residential strata buildings. Complaints may involve noise from hard floors and lack of appropriate floor coverings, mechanical noise from air-conditioning equipment, motor vehicles and alarms, noise from renovation works, noise from activities such as parties and music and noise from barking dogs and other…
Let me start by explaining what an encroachment is: An encroachment occurs when part of a building on a certain block of land intrudes another parcel of land next to it. The NSW Encroachment of Buildings Act (1922) stipulates that “Encroachment” means “encroachment by a building and includes encroachment by overhang of any part as…
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…