Community Insights

Strata committees play a critical role in the management of strata schemes, representing the owners corporation in decision-making and ensuring the effective administration of common property. But what happens if a committee member is no longer fulfilling their duties or is acting against the interests of the strata? In New South Wales, there are clear legal pathways to remove a strata committee member, but they must be navigated correctly. This blog article outlines when and

Starting February 13, 2025, apartment owners across New South Wales will see new fire safety regulations come into effect. Compliance with the Australian Standard AS1851-2012, which provides a framework for inspecting, testing, and maintaining fire safety systems, will become mandatory (unless your building is built pre July 1988). This blog will outline the key aspects of these changes, why they matter, and how owners can prepare to avoid penalties and ensure safety. Underst

While it may not be common, some strata property owners may have come across the concept of "exclusive use rights." This unique arrangement allows an individual lot owner to have exclusive access to a designated part of the common property, even though the ownership of that area remains with the Owners Corporation. Imagine, for example, a ground-floor apartment with a small garden directly connected to the lot. While the garden is technically part of the common property, it m

A recent court ruling (SafeWork NSW v The Owners – Strata Plan No 93899) has sent shockwaves through owners corporations across New South Wales, especially those with commercial enterprises, including short-term holiday lets, within their buildings. A Wollongong strata scheme was slapped with a hefty penalty of over a quarter of a million dollars following the tragic death of a worker in an avoidable accident. This case underscores the critical need for strata schemes to re-e

With rising rent and cost of living pressures, overcrowded apartments may become a more prevalent issue for communities across Sydney. As more individuals and families are forced to squeeze into smaller spaces, the consequences of overcrowding become increasingly apparent, impacting health, safety, and the overall quality of life for residents. While council rules set occupancy limits, the role of by-laws in ensuring these limits are adhered to is critical. By empowering owne

Effective management of abandoned goods in strata buildings is essential for maintaining order and cleanliness in common areas. As of 1 July 2020, Section 125 of the Strata Schemes Management Act (NSW) 2015, and clauses 32 to 34 of the Strata Schemes Management Regulations 2016, which previously addressed abandoned goods, has been repealed. The responsibility now falls under the Uncollected Goods Act 1995, requiring strata schemes to adapt their procedures and potentially upd