STRATA INSIGHTS
In the June edition of our newsletter, we bring you the latest information on the strata sector in Australia, showcasing recent case studies, industry updates and top tips.
Owners Corp Wins Combustible Cladding Case
There has been a ground-breaking combustible cladding case in the NSW Court of Appeal in favour of the Owners Corporation.
The building was constructed with Vitrabond FR aluminium composite panels (ACPs) that adorned a significant portion of the façade.
Testing revealed that the ACPs on the building contained between 35% and 41% polyethylene, falling within the scope of the NSW Government’s 2018 ban on ACPs. As a result, the Owners Corporation had to either replace the ACPs or implement a solution that meets the approval of all relevant authorities.
The Owners Corporation took legal action against the builder and developer of the building, claiming that the installation of the cladding violated multiple statutory warranties outlined in the Home Building Act, 1989 (NSW).
The Court of Appeal ruled in favor of the Owners Corporation, stating that the builder’s non-compliance with the BCA posed a real risk to the occupants and general public. The builder’s failure to comply with the only two methods for meeting the BCA’s fire resistance requirements constituted to a breach.
This case sets a new standard that the Owners Corporations require to prove when builders do not follow BCA compliance pathways during construction.
Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea
On June 15, Premium Strata hosted Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea. The team gathered to raise funds for a great cause while indulging in some delicious treats.
Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea is a community event that raises vital funds to make a difference for those impacted by cancer. 1 in 2 Australians are diagnosed with cancer before the age of 85. We want to help and be a part of that change.
Together, we can help Cancer Council raise much needed funds that go towards vital cancer research, support services, prevention programs and advocacy.
This year marked the third year that we hosted Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea and we are proud to do our part to make a positive difference.
To learn more about how you can register and host your very own Biggest morning tea, visit the Cancer Council Website here. Further information on how you can donate are provided on the site also.
Keep your Home Safe from Fires
According to Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES), 73% of fire incidents mainly occur in the bedroom and living room. This statistic comes as a result of heaters and cook tops being left unattended.
Common causes of Fire
Below are some common factors behind fire incidents:
- Smoking
- Faulty heaters
- Cook tops
- Overloaded powerboards
- Candles
- Electric blankets
- Flammable cladding
Simple ways to avoid fire risks
To ensure the safety of your property, it is crucial to regularly maintain and inspect your heaters, smoke alarms and power sockets for any faults. Malfunctioning heating or electrical appliances can easily become a fire hazard.
Furthermore, it is important to never leave heaters, cook tops or candles unattended or near flammable objects. If you are purchasing new heating or electrical appliances, be cautious of buying cheaper options that may pose a safety risk.
Other suggestions include:
- Know where the fire extinguishers are located in your building
- Ensure smoke alarms are always in proper working condition
- Utilise powerboards with built-in surge protectors for an extra layer of safety
- Never fold electric blankets while in use
- Avoid smoking indoors and dispose cigarettes appropriately
Having trouble with Noisy Neighbours?
Prohibited behaviour
If your neighbour is causing a disturbance and being noisy, there’s several ways you can overcome this nuisance. During this incident, your strata manager could potentially distribute a warning or a breach letter towards your neighbour. See the ‘Action Plan’ below for additional information.
Residents are restricted from creating noise or engaging in behavior that could disturb the peace of another person’s Lot or Common Property.
What are some common noise complaints?
Here are the most frequently reported noise-related complaints:
- Barking dogs
- Alarms
- Renovations
- Party noise
- Conversation on balconies
- Loud footsteps
Action Plan: How to Handle Noise Issues
Before escalating noise-related complaints, it’s always worth conversing with your neighbours initially to see if they can resolve the issue. If that doesn’t work, don’t hesitate to take action and explore to following steps:
- Resolve the issue through an internal process: If neighbours fail to comply with your complaint, reach out to a member of the strata committee or your strata manager and inquire about the details of your scheme’s dispute resolution process.
- Issue a notice to comply: If the strata committee finds that the noise levels are breaching the by-laws, they have the authority to issue a ‘Notice to Comply’ to your neighbour. This will serve as a warning that further noise complaints may lead to legal action in the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal.
- External Resolution: As a last resort, you can always contact NSW Fair Trading for free mediation services to help resolve disputes between residents, owners and managers.
If you are experiencing noise issues, please refer to your strata schemes by-law. Alternatively, you can contact our strata managers via info@premiumstrata.com.au for a written noise by-law that protects your rights as a resident.
BBQ at The Greens
We are thrilled to share that Premium Strata and the Premium Building Management team recently hosted a BBQ with residents at the Greens.
It was wonderful to bring everyone together and reconnect with the onsite management team. We had the pleasure of meeting some new residents who have joined the Greens community this year. It was great seeing everyone mingle and get to know one another better over delicious food and drinks.
We would like to express our appreciation to everyone who joined us and contributed to making this event a memorable occasion.
Stay in Touch
If you are a client of Premium Strata, we would greatly appreciate if you could leave us a google review of your positive experience about our team and work. If you have any feedback or require any assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us.