NSW: Q&A Can We Avoid Strata Manager Insurance Commissions?

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…

NSW: Q&A Can Installation of Blinds or Sun Shades for Apartment Balconies be refused?

NSW: Q&A Can Installation of Blinds or Sun Shades for Apartment Balconies be refused?

Question: My apartment is west facing and the balcony and bedrooms are almost unliveable in Summer. My Strata Committee has declined my request to approve outside awnings without giving reasons. What redress do I have please? Answer: Because the awning will be affixed to the exterior of the building and because the awnings will change…

Short-term Letting Update

Short-term Letting Update

  Short-term Letting Update The Fair Trading Amendment (Short-term Rental Accommodation) Act 2018 (NSW) was recently passed by both Houses and assented to. It has introduced a new Section 137A to the strata legislation which states that a by-law may prohibit short-term letting for non owner-occupiers. In other words, a by-law cannot prevent an owner-occupier…

NSW: Q&A Basement waterproofing – No Support from Committee or Strata Manager

NSW: Q&A Basement waterproofing – No Support from Committee or Strata Manager

  Question: Water has been leaking from our front yard into the car park below for a few years without resolution. Must I use the strata’s expensive contractor for the basement waterproofing? How do I get the committee to act? Answer: You may get another quote from another contractor, however, make sure that the quote…

NSW: Q&A Is the front door common property or the responsibility of the lot owner?

NSW: Q&A Is the front door common property or the responsibility of the lot owner?

  Question: Is the front door common property or the responsibility of the owner? Do lot owners need to seek permission to install deadlocks? Answer: Subject to any notations on the strata plan and applicable by-laws, a front entrance door is common property. As front doors are “fire-doors” for fire safety, the installation of additional…