060. In Conversation – New Rules for Engaging Lawyers and Banning Smoking Building-Wide
This week, Reena and I cover off the new requirements when it comes to strata buildings engaging lawyers, including whether or not cost agreements need to be circulated. Also, can a building ban smoking both on the common areas AND within lots? Links Mentioned: Get the transcript here! www.yourstrataproperty.com.au amanda@yourstrataproperty.com.au Books Mentioned: Gary Bugden: Strata […]
059. The Good, Bad And Ugly Financial Reforms For NSW Strata Buildings – With Joel Russell Of Kelly + Partners
This week, I chat in depth with Joel Russell of Kelly & Partners about the key legislative reforms impacting strata buildings and managers when it comes to financial reporting. There are some great tips here for buildings and managers looking to get on top of these important changes. Links Mentioned: Get the transcript here! www.yourstrataproperty.com.au […]
058. In Conversation With Reena Van Aalst – Agents Throwing Out Records and Creative First Home Buyers
This week, I am ‘in conversation’ with Reena Van Aalst, as we deal with managing agents who throw out their client’s records without first seeking consent, and share ideas from a very creative young couple looking to get into the Sydney property market. Links Mentioned: Get the transcript here! www.yourstrataproperty.com.au amanda@yourstrataproperty.com.au
057. Crime In Surfers Paradise Communities – With Dr Sacha Reid
This week, I am privileged to speak with Dr Sacha Reid of Griffith University, about the results of her research into criminal activity in Surfers Paradise’s many vertical communities. Links Mentioned: Get the transcript here! Crime in High-Rise Buildings: Planning for Vertical Community Safety Griffith University Strata Title Conference Books Mentioned: The Subtle Art of […]
055. Veronica Morgan On Why Strata Purchasers Should Work With A Buyer’s Agent
You probably know her from Foxtel’s Location Location Location series: this week, I am privileged to be in the company of Veronica Morgan, who explains to us the important role of buyers agents, especially when it comes to buying into strata. Links Mentioned: Get the transcript here! www.gooddeeds.com.au Real Estate Buyers Agents Association of Australia (REBAA) […]
054. In Conversation with Reena Van Aalst – Is An Unsigned Agency Agreement Valid?
This week, I am ‘in conversation’ with Reena Van Aalst, solving the problem of an unsigned agency agreement and querying whether a lot owner or the owners corporation should pay for a by-law consolidation [references to NSW law]. Links Mentioned: Get the transcript here! Fair Trading Strata Living Handbook www.yourstrataproperty.com.au Email: amanda@yourstrataproperty.com.au Books Mentioned: On […]
053. How To Deal With An Owner Making Private Use of Common Property Without Approval (NSW law)
In this week’s short [14 min] solo episode, I cover off the steps involved in rectifying the increasingly common situation of a lot owner exclusively using an area of the common property without the necessary approval of the owners corporation. This is the advice I give to buildings who find themselves in such a situation. […]
052. In Conversation with Reena Van Aalst – Why Are Strata Managers Charging ‘Compliance’ Fees?
This week, I am “in conversation” with Reena Van Aalst. Among other things, we discuss the ‘compliance fee’ that many strata buildings have been charged by their strata managers over the past two weeks, apparently representing the cost of their strata manager coming to terms with the new legislation in NSW. Is this charge legal? […]
050. In Conversation with Reena Van Aalst – BMC Personality Clashes And Embarking On Collective Sale
This week, I am “in conversation” with Reena Van Aalst. How does a BMC get rid of a bully? I help an owners corporation navigate a lot owner’s claim for damage allegedly caused by the owners corporation’s contractor, and Reena shares a surprising NCAT win. Links Mentioned: Get the transcript here! www.yourstrataproperty.com.au/podcasts amanda@yourstrataproperty.com.au 002. Reena […]
049. Collective Sale and Renewal with Leisha de Aboitiz (references to NSW law)
This week, I am joined by lawyer Leisha de Aboitiz of Massons Lawyers, as we discuss the collective sale and renewal process under the new NSW law, whereby 75% of lot owners may vote to sell or redevelop the entire strata scheme. Links Mentioned: Get the transcript here! www.massons.com www.massons.com/team/leisha-de-aboitiz/ Part 10 Strata Schemes Development […]
047. What You Must Know Before Buying In To Strata
This week, I speak to Nicole Johnston of Deakin University about a frightening truth uncovered by her research: the LACK of information strata owners are receiving at the point of purchase. This is a valuable summary of what you should be investigating before buying into strata. Links Mentioned: Get the transcript here! www.deakin.edu.au Nicole Johnston […]
046. In Conversation with Reena Van Aalst – signing DAs and problems with NCAT penalties
This week I’m trying something different: I am “in conversation” with Reena Van Aalst – one of this country’s top strata managers. We cover off the week’s frustrations and wins in the world of strata. Let me know what you think of the format and we’ll keep it up! Links Mentioned Get the transcript here! […]
044. How To Deal With Boundary Fences In Strata (references to NSW law)
This week, lawyer Savina Yang and I discuss how strata buildings might go about solving a boundary fence dispute with their adjoining neighbour Links Mentioned Get the transcript here! Episode 008. The Truth About By-Laws In Your Strata Property (And How To Ensure You’re Not In Breach) Episode 016. How To Increase Your Lot’s Value […]
043. Strata Managers vs Real Estate Agents – with Tim McKibbin of REI (NSW)
This week I interview Tim McKibbin, the CEO of the Real Estate Institute of NSW, on the difference between strata managers and real estate agents and how they each might learn to work together effectively. Links Mentioned Get the transcript here! The Real Estate Institute of New South Wales Books Mentioned Stephen R. Covey’s The 7 […]
042. Highlights from 2016 — A Year In Review
Happy New Year! In this first episode for 2017, I give you the highlights and key takeaways from past podcast episodes – a great way to hit the ground running in the strata-sphere this year. Links Mentioned Get the transcript here! 002. Reena Van Aalst on Working With Your Strata Manager and Getting the Most […]
040. Explaining the Tribunal process, including penalties under the new NSW law (references to NSW legislation)
In this week’s short episode, I explain the new Tribunal procedure for resolving disputes under the NSW law, including a discussion of penalties: are they really payable to the owners corporation? Links Mentioned Get the transcript here! NCAT web page for strata matters Section 72(3) Civil and Administrative Tribunal Act Section 147 Strata Schemes Management […]
019. How To Deal With Pets In Strata Buildings – Dr Emma Power
I speak to Dr Emma Power, researcher from the University of Western Sydney, about her speciality area: pets in strata buildings. Links Mentioned Get the transcript here! @dremmapower Pets in Strata Article from theconversation.com Books Mentioned Dogs in Galleries by Maddalena Paola Winspeare, Maddalena De Luca. Disegni di Susanna Coseschi
014. How To Improve And Model Behaviour In Strata Communities
How To Improve And Model Behaviour In Strata Communities Links mentioned Get the transcript here! http://blockstrata.com.au/ http://michaelteys.com/ Level Headed – Block Strata Books Mentioned Growing Up – How Strata Title Bodies Might Learn to Behave Who Moved My Cheese?: An Amazing Way to Deal with Change in Your Work and in Your Life Good to […]
013. The Keys To Effective Strata Budgets
The Keys To Effective Strata Budgets Links mentioned Get the transcript here! Andrew Terrell LinkedIn Profile https://wellmanstrata.com.au/our-people/andrew-terrell http://www.flat-chat.com.au Books / Podcasts mentioned: Strata Living Stories by Stephen Raff Planet Money (Podcast) Freakonomics (Podcast) Timferrissshow.com StartUp (Podcast) Your Strata Property (Podcast) Key Points/Timestamps 00:24 – Introduction and Overview 02:15 – Why it’s important to have a […]
011. How To Establish A Sense Of Community In Strata Schemes With Rachel Cosentino
How To Establish A Sense Of Community In Strata Schemes Links mentioned Get the transcript here! https://www.slatergordon.com.au/our-people/rachel-cosentino Book Mentioned Optimism: Reflections on a life of Action Key Points/Timestamps 00:23 – Introduction and Overview 01:15 - Why it is important for people living in Strata and Community Schemes to feel the sense of community 02:26 - […]
009. How Legislative Changes Around Urban Renewal Affect You As A Strata Owner
How Legislative Changes Around Urban Renewal Affect You As A Strata Owner Resources / Links mentioned: Get the transcript here! Fair trading fact sheet Fair trading email update register City Futures Report – Renewing the compact city Strata Community Australia events Owners Corporation Network www.cityfutures.net.au Books mentioned: Cosmopolis II: Mongrel Cities of the 21st Century […]
007. How A Strata Building Can Use By-Laws to Deal With Short Term Letting
How A Strata Building Can Use By-Laws to Deal With Short Term Letting Resources / Links Mentioned Get the transcript here! http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/nsw/consol_act/ssma1996242/s49.html Key Points / Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction and Overview 01:30 – Amanda reiterates Michelle’s question around what rights an owner’s corporation has around restricting the types of occupants in a building 02:30 – Section 49 of […]
Article: the difficulty of repealing an exclusive use by-law
In order for an owners corporation to repeal an exclusive use by-law that confers on the owner of a lot, or the owners of several lots, certain rights or privileges to use a part of the common property, section 52 of the Strata Schemes Management Act 1996 (“SSMA”) requires the written consent of the owner(s) of the lot(s) concerned. In general, this means the written consent of the owners receiving the benefit of the common property in question.
Article: 6 ways to ensure an efficient strata meeting
Now and then I am called upon to attend strata meetings on behalf of lot owners, owners corporations or strata managers. Over the years, I have picked up a few tips comes to the way in which an efficient strata meeting is run. Here are 6:
6 things you absolutely must know about owning a strata property
Strata essentials: these are the 6 things you absolutely must know about owning a strata property: by-laws, levies, lot property vs common property, meetings, strata manager, committee.
What can be done about short term letting?
Recently, I was invited by strata management company Dynamic Property Services to sit on a panel, together with other strata ‘experts’, and answer a range of questions asked by strata owners.
One of those questions was: what to do about short term letting in strata?
Below I share with you my personal notes made in preparation for answering the various aspects of that important question:
Article: keeping animals in strata part 2, the road to approval
Previously, I wrote about when and how a resident of a strata scheme can keep pets in their lot.
Today, I set out the process than can be undertaken if the owners corporation has rejected your request to keep a pet.
So, you have written to the executive committee, enclosing a photo of Max lying on the grass with three other dogs at the park, belly up:
Article: can I have a pet? Please? Keeping an animal in strata, part 1
When I was a kid, my Christmas wish-list every year included a puppy. But all I remember was receiving different pairs of I-swear-they-are-fashionable-funky-socks and some you-will-grow-into-them-sweaters from my parents. I must admit, Santa and I were not on the best of terms for a long time. But eventually, I realised the real obstacle standing between Father Christmas and my fulfilling childhood were the by-laws for our unit block.
Article: what is a ‘large strata scheme’?
Have you ever dreamed of living in a ‘New York’ style high-rise apartment looking over the alluring lights of the city? I know I have, particularly after the first episode of Suits where they showed Harvey Specter’s apartment.
However, living in a high-rise residential building is not just about throwing fancy dinner parties to make your friends jealous, despite your fear of heights.
Article: how private are your personal details?
What do your owners think happens to the personal information they provide to you? Do you warn owners that their personal information may be made available to those inspecting the books and records of the scheme? This could include postal address, telephone number and email address.