Members only videos

YSP Podcast Episode 244. No committee office bearers | invalid instructions to agent | reduced building sum insured

Reena and I discuss: what happens when a committee is deadlocked on the election of its office bearerswhy strata managers should not blindly accept their client’s instructionsthe strata loan that came to the rescuethe Court of Appeal case confirming the power of the NSW Tribunal to award damages to lot owners.

YSP Podcast Episode 242. How ResVu uses data to help strata managers impress their clients

I’m joined by Tom Welsby of ResVu. Tom and his team have created a powerful software that helps strata managers connect with their customers. Tom shares with us how the clever collection and analysis of data can result in better decision-making and more vibrant communities.

YSP Podcast Episode 240. Safe strata meetings | online meeting hacks | return and earn

This week, Reena and I discuss: How do we safely hold in-person strata meetings?The handy hack Reena is using to improve her online meetingsDoes the Return & Earn scheme have a place in our strata communities? I’m also reminding you to register for By-Law Boot Camp. Last session this Sunday, 8pm AEDT.

YSP Podcast Episode 238. Beware “paper” votes | accomodation costs covered | new code of conduct

In this episode, Reena and I answer these questions: Are all by-laws banning pets now invalid?Why can’t I mail in my general meeting vote?When will an insurer pay temporary accommodation expenses?What does the new Code of Conduct mean for our short term letting by-laws?

YSP Podcast Episode 237. Will “Build to Rent” Disrupt the Strata Sector?

Adam Hirst of Mirvac joins me to explain “Build to Rent” – in particular, Australia’s first renter-only apartment community, LIV Indigo at Sydney Olympic Park. Adam explains the attraction of this unique model. Could it possibly be the complete absence of strata governance structures and strata title legislation? Surely not…

YSP Podcast Episode 235. Facilities for residents only | getting large projects right | magnesite solution

Reena and I work through the following challenges: are investor owners still entitled to use common property facilities like the pool, gym and concierge even though they don’t live in the property?what is best practice for managing major works projects from start to finish? and a couple of wins: how Reena took on NBN and wonthe…

YSP Podcast Episode 234. Your guide to waterproofing – Daniel Caruana

Daniel Caruana of Danrae Group demystifies the waterproofing game for us. We talk roofs, balconies, bathrooms, and Daniel answers the question: why do we see so much remediation work in this area?

YSP Podcast Episode 233. Strata lawyers and strata managers: the elephant in the apartment

I’m bringing to the table a rather serious challenge: in a world where some strata lawyers may receive a lot of work via referral from one particular strata management company, are they somehow beholden to that company? If not, why do some strata managers (and maybe even some strata lawyers) think that they are? Reena…

YSP Podcast Episode 232. The software behind your virtual strata meetings – StrataVote

This week, Matt Larwood of StrataVote takes us inside the software that’s revolutionising our strata meetings and giving strata managers back their lives.

YSP Podcast Episode 230. Service by email I prior notice of AGM I insurance claim clarity

This week, Reena and I cover: the types of notices that must be sent to an owner’s formal address for servicethe software gap causing problems for our managershow to ensure your motion make it onto the AGM agendawhy insurers won’t chase lot owners to recover payouts

YSP Podcast Episode 229. The Do’s and Don’ts of apartment renovation – with Bernadette and David Janson

Bernadette and David Janson from The School of Renovating join me to demystify some common “apartment reno” questions including: do we really need council approval for removal of internal walls and does a washing machine installed in a kitchen need to be waterproofed?

YSP Podcast Episode 227. Reopening gyms I new rules for abandoned vehicles I win for a pet owner

This week, Reena and I tackle another COVID conundrum: whether and how to reopen the gym. I share a win for a pet owner who turned her strata committee around and we lament the repeal of section 125 of our NSW Act: how now to deal with abandoned goods and illegally parked vehicles?

YSP Podcast Episode 226. Cladding class action gains momentum: register now

Gavin Beardsell joins me to provide an update on the status of Federal Court litigation against the manufacturers of certain types of combustible cladding. Find out if your building is eligible to participate in these fully funded class actions – now commencing in New Zealand also.

YSP Podcast Episode 225. Mandatory masks in common areas I do executors have voting rights?

This week, Reena and I are tackling these sticky situations – some of which may already be on your mind: can residents be forced to wear masks on the common property? does the executor of a deceased estate have the right to vote at general meetings? how to set boundaries to rein in bullies why…

YSP Podcast Episode 224. What’s new in the ACT – with Chris Miller, Vantage Strata

It has taken 4.5 years and 200+ episodes, but this week I welcome our first guest from the Australian Capital Territory. Chris Miller of Vantage Strata shares his insights on the changing nature of ACT units plans and updates us on upcoming legislative reform.

YSP Podcast Episode 223. Committee elections outside of AGM I expired UE I reallocation order agency agreements

Reena and I are trading solutions to a range of management issues, including: whether a strata committee can be elected outside of an AGMrectifying a failure to register an order reallocating unit entitlementshow to set expectations prior to signing an agency agreementhow a strata manager’s resignation resolved a building’s dysfunction

YSP Podcast Episode 221. How to avoid a renovation disaster

This week, Reena and I cover: unusual renovations: how is the committee to know if an owner is complying with all legal requirements?how to stop residents using the visitor parkingwhen the new strata manager takes over a little too soon (before they are even appointed)your access to up-to-date strata data

YSP Podcast Episode 219. Unpacking QLD’s new COVID legislation for body corporates

Michael Kleinschmidt of Stratum Legal joins me to shed some light on new COVID legislation impacting QLD body corporates. We discuss the status of strata law reform generally in QLD and why Michael believes buildings should have the option to serve meeting notices by Twitter, if it suits them. You’ll also want to tune in…

YSP Podcast Episode 218. Expired agency agreements | OCs investing money | new COVID regulations

This week, Reena joins me to discuss: the precarious position in which agents and buildings are left when an agency agreement unexpectedly expireshow buildings can invest surplus funds (and why not all banks are the same)the new COVID regulations for NSW strata schemes: your need-to-know summary.

YSP Podcast Episode 217. How The Horizon upheld its pet ban – with David Edwards

This week I am joined by David Edwards, the lawyer who led The Horizon apartment building to success before the NCAT Appeal Panel. David explains the facts, findings and impact of this case, in which a by-law banning pets was upheld. He also promises to buy me a drink. I wrote that one down.

YSP Podcast Episode 216. Why the real estate sector must understand strata – with Leanne Pilkington

The President of Real Estate Institute (NSW), Leanne Pilkington joins me this week. We cover: why the relationship between property managers and strata managers needs to improverecent changes to disclosure requirements when it comes to tenants moving into stratahow Leanne’s instinct drove her to start daily Facebook Live chats at the height of the pandemic Leanne’s…

YSP Podcast Episode 214. Nikki Jovicic on how and why she built Australia’s top strata blog

My guest this week is the founder of a website many of you know and love: LookUpStrata. Although she usually prefers to stay out of the limelight, Nikki Jovicic generously shared with me her journey, from collating subject guides for chronic disease to publishing over 100,000 pages of online strata information. Nikki reveals the most popular…

YSP Podcast Episode 213. Dysfunctional committee | expiring agency agreement | amending motions

I’m happy to announce that my regular co-host is BACK this week! Reena and I are covering: what to do about a dysfunctional strata committeewhether disclosing the expiry date of an agency agreement on the front page is sufficient compliance with section 50(6) of the NSW Acthow to amend motions during a general meeting without…

YSP Podcast Episode 212. New strata laws finally commence in Western Australia

This week, I have the pleasure of Mark Atkinson’s company. The director of Atkinson Legal in Western Australia, Mark has been at the forefront of strata law reform in the state – a massive 24-year undertaking. Amendments to the Strata Titles Act 1985 (WA) commenced on 1 May 2020. Mark summarises the key changes for us and…

YSP Podcast Episode 209. NSW Property Industry Reforms: How are Strata Managers Impacted?

I’m chatting to Sasha Boe of Real Estate Training Solutions about the property industry reforms that commenced in NSW on 23 March 2020 (yes, you may have been distracted by other things!) These reforms impact the way our strata managers operate – from the title they’re allowed to give themselves, to the training and qualifications…

YSP Podcast Episode 208. Finally, an accreditation for fire safety practitioners

Rob Broadhead of 2020 Fire Protection joins me with an update on the accreditation scheme (almost) in place for fire safety practitioners. * To quote Rob, his industry is now moving from “ragtag bunch of tradies” to “accredited professionals”. When we’re dealing with fire safety, that is indeed a welcome change. We also discuss the impact…

YSP Podcast Episode 206. Resilience and leadership during a crisis

This week, I’m bringing you the conversation that I had with Heidi Dening over on our Facebook Page during last Friday’s “Happy Hour”. Heidi shared her top tips for building personal and organisational resilience during challenging times, including identifying those who will rise and thrive when the current crisis is over. As you’ll hear, we…

YSP Podcast Episode 202. Approving air con installations | insurance claims | happy compulsory appointment

This week, Reena asks me the question: if the installation of an air conditioner impacts the external appearance of a building, can it still be classed as “minor work” under the NSW legislation? I respond to a listener comment about insurance claims made at the direction of lot owners and Reena explains how the appointment…

YSP Podcast Episode 197. Bathroom renovation gone wrong | committee nominations | another win for pets

Reena and I discuss: what happens when a bathroom renovation goes wrong and why it’s important to double check waterproofing certificates…whether co-owners can serve on the committee at the same timehow to avoid disputes about general meeting coststhe latest ‘pet-friendly’ NCAT case.

YSP Podcast Episode 195. Mouldy clothes | CMS changes | approval for solar panels

In our first co-hosted episode of 2020, Reena and I get stuck into these curly questions: whether an owners corporation should reimburse an owner $5,000 for ‘mouldy clothing’ arising from water ingress why you must move quickly when registering changes to a CMS how to deal with illegal installations on common property, and a controversial…

Friday LIVE with Amanda – The Strata Highlights of 2020

Our very resilient strata sector has been in a privileged position during an otherwise difficult year. We’re lucky to have experienced SO MANY highlights and LOTS of progress. It’s time to celebrate the year’s wins and share the important takeaways from the challenges. Amanda’s making a list (…and checking it twice…) and can’t wait to…

Friday LIVE with Amanda Farmer and Dr Nicole Johnston

Dr Nicole Johnston joins me for today’s live strata chat, HERE at 4pm AEDT. Always energetic and often with a new project on the go, Nicole will be filling us in on her latest endeavour, the “Strata Concepts” online education forum, presented by Deakin University and Strata Community Insurance. Recognising that the management of buildings…

Friday LIVE with Amanda Farmer

Your week in strata, WRAPPED: our newest Court of Appeal case reversing YET ANOTHER Tribunal decision: this time about the power of the NSW Tribunal to award damages to owners… why your by-laws are probably overdue for a health check how to improve your online strata meetings and more. Share your By-Law Pressure Test Result…

Friday LIVE with Amanda Farmer and Paul Morton

In my LIVE chat with Paul Morton we covered: the fascinating thing about strata finance…the varied types of situations in which your building may want to consider a strata loanwho needs to be involved in the processwhat the tax implications may be how repayment works and more I also shared some learnings from my records…

Friday LIVE – Pets in Strata with Special Guests Jo Cooper and Sharon Levy

Fresh from her Court of Appeal win, Jo Cooper gave us inside scoop on the rollercoaster ride that has been her life these past 5 years, including what this week’s court decision means for her, Angus and so many other pet-owners in NSW #strata buildings. We talked pet allergies, dog phobias and g-string bikinis (yep). We even…

Friday LIVE with Amanda

Giving you the wrap up of the week that was, including: the fallout so far from this week’s rather controversial podcast episode… two important NCAT Appeal Panel decisions dealing with records and by-laws QLD’s new body corporate legislation, due to commence 21 March why bee-keeping in strata could be a nuisance how to properly address…

It’s our SUMMIT WRAP PARTY!

Join me, Jimmy Thomson and Tim Sara LIVE at 4pm AEST today for the Summit WRAP Party. The bar will be OPEN so grab your favourite beverage and come have a chat with us about your favourite Summit Session. We’re easing you into our BONUS ENCORE WEEKEND: continue to access every summit session until MIDNIGHT…

Your LIVE Summit ACTION Session! With Amanda Farmer, Veronica Morgan, and Paul Keating

I was joined by special guests Paul Keating of Strata Community Insurance and Veronica Morgan of Good Deeds Property Buyers, debriefing on today’s two Summit Sessions and hearing from YOU about the ACTION you’re taking in your communities, to implement what our summit guests are sharing. In today’s LIVE Summit ACTION Session, I chatted with…

Your LIVE Summit ACTION Session! With Amanda Farmer, Elizabeth Heusler, and Colin Campbell

In today’s LIVE Summit ACTION Session, I chatted to two very experienced strata owner/committee members, enjoying the Shared Space Summit. Elizabeth Heusler and Colin Campbell shared their key takeaways from the day’s summit sessions and shared the ACTION they’ll be taking in their communities to implement what they’ve learned. We covered : the rise of…

Your LIVE Summit ACTION Session! With Amanda Farmer, Nikki Jovicic, and Gordon Streight

Amanda was here LIVE with one of today’s summit guest speakers – Gordon Streight – as well as the founder of LookUp Strata, Nikki Jovicic. They discussed the day’s Summit Sessions and heard from YOU on the ACTION you’re taking in your communities to IMPLEMENT what our Summit guests are sharing. Join us LIVE tomorrow…

Happy Hour with Dr Cathy Sherry!

An Associate Professor at UNSW Law and a UNSW Scientia Education Academy Fellow, Cathy is a leading Australian expert on strata and community title. We’ll be covering: green cities: why do humans need “green” and how is the pandemic impacting future planning for green spaces? where exactly is the line between public and private space…

Happy Hour with Natalie Fitzgerald!

Are strata managers protecting developers? Natalie Fitzgerald is our special guest for Happy Hour today.She blows the whistle on the relationship some strata managers have to developers and why sometimes it is NOT in the strata manager’s interest to champion owner claims for building defects rectification. So, if owners can’t rely on the strata manager,…

Happy Hour with Thomas Gibbons!

The trans-Tasman travel bubble is some way off, but we still managed to spend Happy Hour with Thomas Gibbons, one of our favourite NZ “unit titles” practitioners. We compare NZ’s level 4 lockdown to Melbourne’s and receive an update on important legislative reform happening across the ditch.

Happy Hour with Helen Kowal!

Expert building defects lawyer Helen Kowal updated us on the need-to-know of the Design and Building Practitioners Act 2020 and the Residential Apartment Buildings (Compliance and Enforcement Powers) Bill 2020. Does your building now have a claim for original building defects that it did not have before?

Happy Hour with Rob Broadhead

Rob shared precisely where you can go to check that you are using an accredited fire safety professional to certify the fire safety measures in your building. We also talked fire door gaps, fire dampers, acronyms and wine.

Happy Hour with Megan Chatterton – City of Sydney Council

Happy Hour with Megan Chatterton – City of Sydney Council! Megan shares the simple steps your building can start taking TODAY to save money on utilities and move towards a more sustainable future. Amanda provides an update on new strata legislation currently before NSW parliament, which will make the installation of sustainability infrastructure easier and…

Happy Hour with Daniel Borin!

Our strata-tech evangelist, Daniel shares his tips for effective working from home connection in the time of social distancing how he’s still getting his boxing workout in and more. I also summarise the new regulations that have commenced in NSW, for smoother strata operations in the time of COVID .

Happy Hour with Amanda Farmer and Dr Nicole Johnston!

The always gracious Dr J shared her views on how well (or not) we’re tackling the nation’s building defects crisis; what’s next on her research agenda – including VIRTUAL “Strata Concepts” sessions, and why she went searching in vain for the research of “Dr Nicholas Johnston”. I also summarised the impact of this week’s NCAT…

Happy Hour with Amanda Farmer and Paul Keating of Strata Community Insurance!

I promised we’d make strata insurance FUN and…mission accomplished!

Happy Hour with Amanda Farmer and Reena Van Aalst!

We covered: the easing of COVID restrictions in NSWnew strata law for NSW, permitting the making of regulations that will enable electronic meetings etc waiving interest on levies poll voting special resolutions the enviable social lives of “child-free” couples AND MORE!

Friday Happy Hour with Amanda Farmer and Jimmy Thomson!

And what a rollicking Happy Hour it was. In addition to discussing the current Japanese gin drought in Australia, we covered: pets in strata, the new NSW Fair Trading COVID guidance for strata schemes, cladding and fire safety generally…and all without mentioning short-term letting! Ok, maybe just once.

Happy Hour with Allison Benson

Two strata lawyers for the price of one! In this week’s Happy Hour, Allison and I covered: the loosening of restrictions around the countrywhat’s happening on the COVID-legislative front in NSW, including specific relief for our strata schemes ongoing repair and maintenance of the common propertyelectronic strata committee elections- the COVID APP and much more

Happy Hour with Veronica Morgan

It’s Happy Hour! My special guest this week is Veronica Morgan. We cover: the future of the property market, particularly when it comes to apartments; why strata records inspections and so important and what you should be looking for; some new legislation impacting NSW strata buildings; and much more, including your LIMITED TIME ONLY opportunity…

Happy Hour with Chris Duggan

It’s Happy Hour!! My special guest this week is SCA (NSW) President Chris Duggan. Chris shares the inside scoop on what our strata buildings can expect from NSW government + together we answer the week’s COVID questions

Friday Happy Hour with Amanda Farmer & Natalie Fitzgerald

It’s Happy Hour! This week we’re talking about SHORT TERM LETTING : which new law started in NSW today? And as always, we’re covering the latest strata-COVID questions: should contracted works cease? Can we still pursue levy arrears? Should we be dobbing in visitors? All this and more.

Happy Hour with Amanda Farmer and Chris Irons

Happy Hour has rolled around again! This week, I’m chatting with Chris Irons of Hynes Legal about closing pools and gyms, restricting deliveries and acting REASONABLY!! Happy weekend everyone.

The week that was – it’s the Happy Hour Wrap Up

Join me and Reena for Friday Happy Hour: we answer the week’s (long!) list of questions about COVID-19 in strata and manage to have a few laughs along the way. Links mentioned: Strata Community Association (SCA) Apartment Living & COVID-19 Best Practice Guideline for Building ManagersStrata Community Association (SCA) Apartment Living & COVID-19 Best Practice…

Battling COVID-19 in our apartment buildings

UPDATE from today’s discussions with NSW government: dealing with COVID-19 in our buildings.

Friday Happy Hour with Heidi Dening – Your Isolation Education!

It’s Happy Hour! Heidi Dening shares her tips for building resilience and confidently stepping into a leadership role during these extraordinary times. Amanda covers off the current state of the law in QLD, NSW, VIC and WA when it comes to strata meetings in person. Can we meet online instead?

Naughty boys running amok in your apartment building?

A reminder of the power of model by-law no. 6! As I say in this vid, use this one for the ‘naughty boys’. Girls too of course, should you have any 😉 For new schemes, or schemes that have adopted the new schedule 3 model by-laws from the 2016 Regulation, it’s model by-law no. 7…

Member call no. 33: Does committee member Glenn have a conflict of interest?

In this short (14min) member call, I help Glenn to determine whether or not he has a conflict of interest when voting on specific matters at his committee meetings. I explain the relevant parts of the NSW legislation, including what needs to be done if a conflict is disclosed, and apply some practical examples. Links…

Member call no. 32: Recommended by-laws, vexatious ex-committee members and more

In this wide-ranging call with committee member Phillipa, I recommend some new by-laws for the committee to consider incorporating as part of their review process. We canvass ideas for dealing with vexatious ex-committee members who are circulating nasty emails, and discuss options for negotiating the terms of a new strata management contract, including removing delegated…

Member call no. 31: When owners are prevented from storing items in their garage space

In this call, I help Vivian make sense of a by-law that prevents owners storing anything other than motor vehicles in their car spaces. Is such a by-law too harsh? Does it matter that some spaces are fully enclosed and the contents cannot be seen? We discuss Vivan’s options for changing or invalidating this by-law,…

Member call no. 30: Obtaining orders for removal of an illegal floor

Katrina’s committee has been involved in protracted NCAT proceedings, seeking the removal of an illegal hard floor. I help Katrina to decide the best next steps to move the case forward and achieve a result that will retain some level of harmony between the offending owner and the committee, while ensuring the ongoing peaceful enjoyment…

Member call no. 29: Dealing with Dan’s noisy neighbours

Dan’s neighbours have installed tiles in their unit above him, without any approval. He has lost his peaceful enjoyment and wants to know what steps he can take to get it back. I walk him through the process of enforcing both a “noise” by-law and pursuing the illegal alteration of the common property, including what…

Member call no. 28: Forcing Annette’s building to comply with orders to repair and maintain (WA)

In this call, I give Annette some options for ensuring that her WA strata company complies with orders made by the Tribunal to repair and maintain the common property. We discuss the process for appointment of an administrator and play out some practical scenarios for success. Links and resources mentioned: [FORMER] Section 102 (1) (a)…

Member call no. 27: Easing short-term letting pains for Colin

Colin heads up a committee for a building in a popular part of Sydney’s eastern beaches. When we spoke back in March this year, new legislation was about to commence, permitting NSW owners corporations to pass a by-law banning short-term letting: in some circumstances. I talk through the impact of this new legislation with Colin…

Member call no. 26: When major renovation works are carried out without insurance

In this call, Bernadette shares the rather unorthodox management structure for her converted warehouse building. She has discovered that facade works carried out by an owner, but funded by the owners corporation, were not insured. We talk through the fallout, with particular reference to the relevant provisions of the Home Building Act NSW. We also…

Member call no. 25: A win for Heather and her greyhound

Heather’s building prevents occupiers keeping pets without the approval of the Owners Corporation and Heather’s request to keep a greyhound has been unreasonably refused. I walk Heather through how she might prove “unreasonableness” under section 157 of the NSW law, including the practical steps she can take immediately to fast track her success. I am…

Member call no. 24: Penalty applications and cost orders in the Tribunal

In this call, I assist Mary to defend a (seemingly) spurious penalty application for breach of a by-law: in Mary’s case, the “behaviour” by-law (model by-law 6, NSW). We also discuss her options for pursuing a cost order after an earlier application was withdrawn by her owners corporation.

Member call no. 23: Achieving common property repairs in a 2-lot scheme

Sandra is an owner in an unusual 2-lot scheme: her unit entitlement is 35 and her neighbour’s is 65. As you can imagine, this is causing some problems, particularly when it comes to the repair and maintenance of common property. In this call, I arm Sandra with the tools she needs to resolve moisture ingress…

Member call no. 22: Terry challenges excessive levies in the Tribunal

In this call, I’m helping Terry with what is (in my experience) an unusual application: for an order varying levies on the grounds that they are excessive. Terry’s building recently resolved a 48% increase in levies and Terry believes the increase should have been half that. I give Terry my tips for ensuring his application…

Member call no. 21: Helping Stefan determine whether his Owners Corporation is dysfunctional

In this call, Stefan explains the various problems he has been having with his strata committee, including ineligible people elected to the committee, unauthorised work on the common property, failure to comply with the provisions of the NSW legislation, defamatory publications and more. I explain the level of dysfunction the Tribunal needs to see before…

Member call no. 20: Demystifying BMCs with strata manager Andrew

In this call, I answer strata manager Andrew’s excellent questions about: whether NSW community associations can impose blanket bans on the keeping of animalshow building management committees and strata management statements workwhat avenues NSW buildings have if they have an underperforming strata manager This is a very ‘hands on’ call filled with practical guidance for…

Member call no. 19: Helping Clare put in place a new strata committee for a $10m rectification project

Clare is an owner in a 60+ lot NSW scheme, under a partial compulsory appointment. The building is about to embark on a $10m rectification works project. The present dysfunction arises from a difficult strata committee and Clare and her group of supporters are ready to oust the incumbent at an upcoming general meeting. The…

Member call no. 18: Supporting Isabella to be the ‘squeaky wheel’

Isabella is an owner coming out the other side of years of neglected repair work at her townhouse property. I answer her questions about the potential removal of the strata committee and managing agent, claiming her losses (“is it worth it?”), getting the right trades on the job and ‘training’ the committee to make better…

Member call no. 17: Helping James to navigate life in a 2-lot scheme

In this call, I assist James with a number of problems currently facing him in his 2-lot scheme, including: life after compulsory managementhis neighbour’s refusal to agree to adequate leviesthe illegal installation of a fence on the common propertythe installation of a surveillance camerareimbursement for costs expended on behalf of the Owners Corporation. Here are…

Member call No. 16: 7 excellent questions from strata manager Donovan

Assistant strata manager Donovan had been saving up all the ‘hard’ questions for just this call! The call is jam-packed with practical information for strata managers and committee members alike, including my answers to Donovan’s questions about by-law enforcement, committee meetings, defects warranty periods, subdividing common property and more. Here are the links to the…

Member call no. 15: Helping Carol to ‘painlessly’ tender for new strata management

In this call, I arm Carol with the tools, resources and contacts that will help her successfully put her building’s strata management contract out to tender. As an owner in a small Western Australian strata scheme, Carol is also concerned to understand the correct legal procedure for council (committee) meetings. We talk about the specific…

Member call no. 14: Dean deals with wheel clamping in his WA building

Dean is an owner in a Western Australian strata scheme. His strata council has taken to wheel clamping visitors parked in the designated visitor-parking area, should they overstay their welcome. Dean asks: does the strata company need a by-law to be able to do this? (they don’t have one). Is it legal for the strata…

Member call no. 13: Chris makes lot owners responsible for common property improvements

Chris is an owner and committee member in a NSW scheme and wants to know if its possible to require only those owners benefiting from common property work to pay for that work (known as “the benefit principle” in Victoria). We talk this through, and also discuss a way that his scheme can legally stop repairing and…

Member call no. 12: Khristina deals with a surprise change of plans for an owner’s bathroom renovation

Khristina is a committee member in her Sydney strata scheme. An owner’s partially complete bathroom renovation has come to a standstill due to additional work being identified. The committee has been left in a state of confusion over whether this additional work constitutes repair and maintenance, or improvement and enhancement. The owner suggests it’s repair…

Member call No. 11 Henry gets help with difficult tenants, and more

Henry comes to us from Victoria with a few challenges relating to tenants who fail to comply with the by-laws. I arm him with strategies to combat the bad behaviour, including methods for communicating effectively with the property manager/leasing agent. We also discuss CCTV and how the installation of CCTV sits comfortably with a ‘right…

Member call no. 10: Bruce wants to overhaul a ‘rusted on’ committee

Bruce is an owner and committee member in a NSW scheme that is functioning reasonably well, but is ready for some revitalising after 17 years. This includes bringing fresh ideas to the strata committee. In this call, I give Bruce some strategies for how he might assist an ‘ok’ strata committee transition to a ‘great’…

Member call no. 9: Adam improves resident engagement and deals with a serial litigator

Adam is an owner and council member in a WA scheme and in this call, we’re discussing the steps he can take to better engage residents – both owner-occupiers and tenants – including improving care and respect for shared common areas like the BBQ area. I also provide my tips for dealing with a troublesome,…

Member call no. 8: Natalie proceeds to NCAT after 4 years of water penetration

In this call, I consider Natalie’s proposal to seek NCAT orders requiring her owners corporation to repair and maintain the common property. The building’s failure to do so for almost 4 years has resulted in water penetration to Natalie’s two bedrooms. We discuss the relevant sections of the NSW legislation and my recommendations for what…

Member call no. 7: Greg discovers the superpower held by a committee secretary

In this call, I help Greg – an owner and committee secretary – who is having trouble getting various initiatives past his fellow committee members. I point out to him a very handy section of the NSW legislation which grants considerable power to a committee secretary. We also discuss the terms of a “diplomatic” campaign…

Member call no. 6: Helping Dorothy with a terminated building management contract and a vacancy on the strata committee

In this call, I help Dorothy – owner and committee member – to ensure the smooth termination of the building manager, including answering her question about his entitlement to termination payments. We also walk through the process for filling a vacancy on the strata committee, and cover off the legal duties and personal liability of…

Member call no. 5: strata manager Sean asks the hard questions about proxies, co-owners and special levies

In this jam-packed call, I help Sean – a strata owner turned strata manager – navigate the tricky areas of proxies, co-owner voting rights, AGM notices and special levies. This is an excellent call to tune in to if you’re the secretary of a self-managed scheme or a strata manager at any level. We refresh on the important basics but also get into some technical areas that even the most experienced of us need to stop and consider from time to time.

Member call no. 4: Leanne bravely battles the bullies in her building

In this call, I give Leanne some practical strategies to deal with a domineering strata committee and a bad dose of bullying.