Community Insights

Making the shift from a standalone house to strata living can be both exciting and daunting. While the allure of a low-maintenance, 'pack-up and go' lifestyle, community amenities, and enhanced security draws many to strata properties, the transition comes with its own set of challenges and adjustments. Whether you're downsizing, investing, or simply seeking a change, understanding the key differences between house and strata living is crucial for a smooth move. Understanding

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

If you're a landlord of a strata property, you may have been asked by your property manager to pay for a specialist company to inspect and replace batteries for the smoke alarm within your unit/lot. Most, if not all, landlords will agree this is crucial for tenant safety. But before you swiftly agree to this, check with your building/strata manager to see if such inspections are already covered by the owners corporation. Generally speaking, if the smoke alarm was installed a

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