News

NSW Strata Buildings with Aluminium Cladding – Read this

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…

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How NSW Strata Apartments can install solar polar

It has been difficult for people in who live in apartments in NSW to install solar panels. This is often due to a fear of bureaucracy and resistance from the strata committees. This article discusses an example of Stucco, a small co-operative housing block in Sydney, which embarked on a mission to install solar power….

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Q&A: Smoke Alarms in Strata Units NSW

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…

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Deferral of Strata Building Bond Scheme to 1 January 2018

We wanted to provide you with this update regarding the implementation of the NSW Residential Developer Bond and Defect Inspection Regime. This ‘Developer Bond Regime’ was to be introduced by the new Part 11 of the Strata Schemes Management Act 2015 (NSW), which came into effect on 30 November 2016. The regime entails the provision…

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Q&A: Who Can Access the NSW Strata Trust Account?

In the case of sole trader Strata Managers (one person), how does the Executive Committee gain access to the Strata Trust Account if their strata manager passes away? In brief, the Unclaimed Money Act 1995 (the Act) now applies to unclaimed money held in a trust account under the Property, Stock and Business Agents Act 2002….

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NSW Q&A: What to do about noise complaints?

A LookUpStrata reader was told by her strata manager that the water pump on the other side of her bedroom wall was within the required limits. The Council inspector who came to measure the noise also confirmed that there was no case for them to take action. She wanted to know if there is anything else…

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