Blog

  Many lot owners are unaware that not being financial i.e. not having their levies paid up to date does not only prevent their vote counting at an owners corporation's general meeting or being permitted to requisition an extraordinary general meeting, but it can also...

Spring is already upon us and there is an increasing number of requests from lot owners residing in strata schemes to renovate their strata lot which frequently involves the request for exclusive use of common property attic spaces, courtyards, balconies and other...

Beware: Issue Estoppel Applies to Strata Adjudications In the recent Land and Environment Court of New South Wales decision of The Owners Strata Plan 432 v Seddon [2015] NSWLEC 69, Sheahan J said at paragraph 390 “I conclude that a decision of a Strata Adjudicator can...

I have recently been asked about whether a proxy can attend a general meeting of an owners corporation and vote on motions on behalf of the estate of a deceased lot owner. In our view a proxy could vote on behalf of the estate of a deceased lot owner in the following...

The NSW Government has released the draft Strata Schemes Management Bill 2015 (“the draft Bill”) and the draft Strata Schemes Development Bill 2015.  The following is a summary of some, but not all, of the important changes to be introduced by the draft Bill:...

While it is easy to think of and plan a New Year's resolution, many find it hard to stick to one. But as the new 2015/2016 Financial Year is already upon us, owners corporation's executive committees and lot owners might consider some new Financial Year resolutions...

Common Property Letterboxes, CCTV Cameras and Letterbox Theft The theft of mail from apartment buildings is on the rise given that they are an attractive target for thieves.  Some of the reasons an apartment building's letterboxes are targeted include: (a)   there are...

So your owners corporation's strata managing agent has informed you that you can't bring your pet Shitzu named "Fluffy" into your unit because it is not a pet friendly complex or because if you bring your dog into the strata complex it will likely cause a lot of noise...

Often lot owners find it difficult to resolve strata issues or disputes with an owners corporation.  Examples include, but are not limited to, noise complaints, the keeping of pets without owners corporation's approval, inability to pass required motions e.g.  unable...