Q&A Yapping Dogs

Yapping Dogs I live in a very large Strata unit complex and there is an overload of dogs here – almost like a Canine Hotel – but all in all they are well mannered but there are those, that, at times bark and yap for an hour to 5 hours at a time. I find it to…

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Strata Insurance Market Update

  As a trusted Strata Insurance partner, we strive to keep our clients updated and informed. This update seeks to define the key factors impacting the pricing and availability of strata insurance in the current market, so that you can make an informed choice on the best offer of insurance. CURRENT MARKET CONDITIONS For the…

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NSW: Q&A Can You Run a Business from Your Apartment Garage?

  Question: If a strata block of units is zoned residential, can someone operate a manufacturing business from a unit? The person with the manufacturing business does not live in the building but owns the lot. It is like listening to someone urinating into a toilet bowl 24/7. Strata management is unable to offer any…

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NSW: Q&A Positions on the Strata Committee

  Question: As an over 55s strata, our “pool” of likely contenders for interest in being a committee member is shrinking as lot owners age. We do have a good Strata Manager. What happens in this situation? Our NSW over 55s Strata is due to have its AGM next month. At this stage, none of…

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NSW: Q&A Who sets the agenda, Explanatory notes

  Question: At our last AGM I proposed a motion that meetings be held after 6pm. Our Strata Manager denied the motion from being on the agenda. Does the Strata Manager have authority to dismiss a motion? proposed a Motion for our last AGM within the correct guidelines and timing, that being, that future Annual…

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NSW: Q&As Strata Hub: What do you need to know?

  Question: Our Strata Manager insists on using a single first point of contact to liaise with regarding strata matters for the coming year. Is this usual? In our complex of 22 owners, we recently held our AGM. Of the 6 owners who were at the meeting, 3 owners volunteered to serve on the committee….

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NSW: Q&A Do We Need a ByLaw For That?

  Question: Does the strata Committee have the legal right to sell framed art pieces in common areas without all lot owner’s permission? Answer: Yes, a general meeting of the Owners Corporation would be required and there are likely local council consent and insurance implications. We consider that, at minimum, the Owners Corporation would need…

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NSW: Q&A Which ByLaws Apply to Our Strata Scheme?

  Question: I believe one of our bylaw is harsh, unconscionable or unreasonable. As a lot owner, should I apply to NCAT for the Tribunal to decide or should concerns first be raised to the Strata Committee or at a General Meeting? Answer: The procedure is to make an application for an Order declaring the…

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NSW: Q&A Who sets the agenda, Explanatory notes

  Question: At a committee meeting, I proposed a motion concerning a topic under discussion for the committee to adopt. The topic had been included in the meeting agenda. The strata manager ruled the proposed motion ‘out of order’. Is this correct? A committee meeting was called by our strata manager with a written agenda…

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NSW: Q&A Remediation of Serious Building Defect

  Question: A poorly constructed box gutter channels rainwater into our apartment. We’ve been requesting help from the owners corporation for years, but they keep pushing us aside. What do we do? We have a rooftop on our apartment that runs parallel with a poorly constructed box gutter. This box gutter has water runoff from other…

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NSW: Q&A Positions on the Strata Committee

  Question: Although our committee is made up of 8 members, the position of Treasurer, Secretary and Chairperson are all held by the same person. Is there something in legislation to say this can be or can’t be done? Answer: This scenario is contemplated by the strata legislation. This scenario is contemplated by the strata…

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NSW: Q&A Monitoring the Owners Corporation During Strata Purchase

  Question: When a strata property is sold, who is responsible for updating the strata ownership records? Is it the vendor or the purchaser’s responsibility? Answer: This is both the vendor’s and the purchaser’s responsibility. This is both the vendor’s and the purchaser’s responsibility. During the conveyancing process a “strata interest notice” pursuant to Strata Schemes…

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NSW: Q&A How do we Deal with Strata Manager Complaints and Bullying?

  Question: If the strata manager gives incorrect advice causing a monetary loss to the owners corporation, what remedy is available to the OC? Answer: The type and quantum of liability of the managing agent is limited. Generally, the strata management agency agreement between the Strata Management Agency and Owners Corporation will set out the liability of…

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