Question: Should we have a bylaw allowing residents to have a BBQ on their apartment balcony? If we have no bylaw and a BBQ becomes a fire hazard, will the Strata Committee Members be held liable? Answer: You need to check what your contract states with regard to strata manager insurance commissions. We have…
In the wake of the devastation of the London Fire, NSW Fair Trading is taking action concerning non-compliant aluminium cladding. Such action will include legal reform to give effect to: Having a specialist unit conduct an audit with a view to issuing orders against owners of buildings to remove non-compliant aluminium cladding materials. Requiring annual…
Smoke detectors have an effective ‘use by date’ and back-up batteries should be checked and replacement frequently, however the entire unit usually needs to be replaced after 10 years. A LookUpStrata reader wanted to know who is responsible to ensure that the smoke alarms in strata units are operational, and who is responsible for the replacement and…
This Flat Chat article in the Domain explains changes in the way the so-called Fire and Emergency Services Levy (FESL) is raised. From 1 July 2017, the annual fire services levy will be collected via council rates rather than via buildings insurance. This will ensure the FESL will be spread more evenly across a broader slice of…
As the NBN rolls out across Australia, your telecommunications providers existing fixed line networks are being progressively disconnected. Monitored fire alarms and lift phones that have been operating on Telstra’s, Optus’ and other providers’ networks will cease to operate unless they are migrated to an alternative network before disconnection happens. A temporary arrangement has been…
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…
Building owners will be familiar with the legal requirement to lodge a fire safety statement with the local council and fire brigade every year. The process usually involves a fire services contractor attending the building, inspecting and testing fire safety measures and certifying they are compliant or recommending work to make them compliant, and once…