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The festive season is upon us, and with it comes the irresistible urge to deck the halls, pour the eggnog, and host a Christmas bash that’ll go down in holiday history. But if you live in an apartment, your neighbours are probably just a few thin walls away—and they’re unlikely to appreciate a celebration that feels more like a rock concert. Fear not! With a little planning and some thoughtful etiquette, you can have a holly, jolly Christmas party without any complaints slipping under your door. Set the Stage (and the Time) Timing is everything. Plan your party for a reasonable hour, such as an early evening start, and aim to wrap things up by 10 or 11 PM. Let your guests know ahead of time when the festivities will wind down so they don’t feel like Scrooge showed up at midnight to kick them out. A quick heads-up to your neighbours can also work wonders. Pop by with a festive treat and let them know about your plans. Bonus points for inviting them! People are much less likely to complain about noise if they’re clinking glasses alongside you. Keep the Volume Festive, Not Frightful Sure, Mariah Carey’s "All I Want for Christmas Is You"  is a classic, but cranking it up to nightclub levels? Not so much. Keep your music at a volume that fills your apartment without spilling over into your neighbours’. If you’re worried about noise carrying, consider creating a party playlist with calmer holiday tunes or opt for a Bluetooth speaker over a heavy-duty sound system. Pro tip: Put your speaker on a soft surface like a rug to dampen the sound. Control the Crowd Space is usually at a premium in apartment living, so don’t try to cram your entire contact list into your lounge room. A smaller, more intimate guest list ensures everyone has room to mingle comfortably and prevents the noise (and chaos) that a larger crowd might bring. Encourage guests to use their "inside voices" (as much as a party allows) and remind them that sound travels easily through apartment walls and ceilings. Mind the Balcony If you have a balcony, it’s tempting to let it double as your party annex. Just remember that sound carries even more outside, and your upstairs, downstairs, and next-door neighbours will all be in on the conversation. Keep the balcony chats short and sweet, and ask smokers to be mindful of smoke wafting into nearby apartments. If there are by-laws in place for no smoking, be sure to let your guests know. Manage Foot Traffic A steady stream of guests arriving and leaving can be disruptive in shared hallways. Ask party-goers to arrive quietly and avoid congregating outside your front door. If you’re expecting deliveries or friends who haven’t been to your place before, consider texting them clear instructions ahead of time to avoid repeated doorbell rings. Tidy as You Go Nobody likes waking up to Christmas chaos, especially in shared spaces. If your party spills into common areas like hallways or stairwells, make sure they’re left spotless before your neighbours start their morning routines. Pro tip: double bag rubbish bags to avoid spillage. Make It Worth Their While What’s the best way to prevent neighbourly complaints? Get them on your side! Deliver festive cookies, invite them to toast with you, or leave a thoughtful "thank you for your understanding" note after the event. Goodwill goes a long way, and who knows—they might return the favour next time they throw a bash. Have a Plan for the Kids If your party includes little ones, consider how to keep them entertained without adding to the noise. Setting up a quiet movie corner or Christmas crafts station can keep them occupied and prevent tiny feet from running wild through your apartment. Lean into Apartment-Friendly Fun Not all parties have to be loud. Opt for fun but quieter activities like Christmas trivia, Secret Santa gift exchanges, or decorating gingerbread houses. These still keep the festive spirit alive without turning your apartment into a dance floor. Know When to Call It a Night The best parties don’t drag on for hours past their prime. Respect your neighbours’ need for peace and quiet by wrapping things up on time. A graceful exit leaves everyone with warm, fuzzy holiday vibes—not lingering frustration. Hosting a Christmas party in an apartment doesn’t have to be a balancing act between fun and frustration. With a little planning, thoughtful communication, and festive creativity, you can celebrate in style without earning a spot on your neighbours’ naughty list. When it comes to ensuring community harmony, Compass Strata is your go-to expert. With years of experience managing community living, we understand the delicate balance between celebrating and maintaining peace with your neighbours. After all, Christmas is about spreading cheer, not noise complaints. So go ahead, pour that mulled wine, string up those fairy lights, and enjoy the season to the fullest—apartment-style. Merry Christmas, and happy partying!

Investing in property is one of the most effective ways to build wealth and secure financial stability. For property investors, maximising returns is key, and one often-overlooked tool for doing so is a depreciation report. This document, compiled by a qualified quantity surveyor, outlines the deductions available for the decline in value of certain assets in your investment property. Here's why every property investor, especially those owning apartments, should prioritise obtaining one. But before we begin, let's debunk some myths... "Only New Properties Benefit from Depreciation" While new properties tend to have higher depreciation rates, older properties still have claimable deductions, particularly if they've been renovated. "It’s Expensive and Not Worth It" The cost of a depreciation report is typically tax-deductible itself. The savings from deductions often outweigh the initial expense within the first year. "I Can Estimate Deductions Myself" Without professional expertise, you’re likely to miss key deductions. Quantity surveyors are trained to identify and calculate all eligible assets, ensuring you get the maximum return. What Is a Depreciation Report? A depreciation report details the amount of depreciation you can claim on an investment property over time. Depreciation refers to the natural wear and tear on the building's structure and its assets, such as appliances, flooring, or even light fittings. Australian tax law allows property investors to claim this depreciation as a deduction, which can significantly reduce their taxable income. Why Is It Crucial for Apartment Owners? Owning an apartment as an investment property comes with unique opportunities for claiming depreciation. Here's why: Higher Proportion of Eligible Assets Apartments typically include shared facilities, such as gyms, pools, lifts, and parking areas. These assets contribute to what is known as a Division 43 ( Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 ) deduction (capital works deduction) and may also qualify under Division 40 (plant and equipment) if your share in those facilities is covered. For example, the depreciation of a shared elevator system or communal gym equipment can be claimed by all apartment owners proportionally. Newer Builds Are Especially Lucrative Many apartments are built to modern specifications and feature premium fixtures, which can have higher depreciation rates. If your apartment was built after July 1985, you're eligible for capital works deductions. Newer apartments often include features like energy-efficient appliances or smart home technology, which fall under plant and equipment deductions. Renovations and Upgrades If the apartment or the building has undergone renovations, the costs can add significantly to depreciation claims. Even if you didn’t fund the renovation, as an owner, you might still benefit from claiming depreciation on these improvements. Depreciation Reports are a powerful tool for Australian property investors, especially for those owning apartments in strata communities. By understanding and leveraging these deductions, you can optimise your tax position, improve cash flow, and ultimately maximise your investment returns. However, effective property investment isn't just about tax savings—it also requires well-managed strata communities to protect and enhance the value of your property. That’s where Compass Strata   can help. With expert strata management services, Compass Strata ensures that your community is well-maintained, financially sound, and compliant with all regulations.

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 how a committee member can be removed from a strata committee, complete with examples for clarity. Understanding the Legal Framework In NSW, strata committees are governed by the Strata Schemes Management Act 2015  (the Act). This legislation sets out the rights and responsibilities of strata committees and owners corporations, as well as the processes for handling disputes and changes within the committee structure. Convening a General Meeting To remove a committee member, the first step is to convene a general meeting of the owners corporation. The motion to remove the committee member must be included on the agenda of this meeting. Under the Act, sufficient notice of the meeting must be given to all owners, and the agenda must clearly specify the motion for removal. Recent changes have streamlined the process for owners' corporations to remove underperforming committee members. The amendments to NSW strata laws  have introduced clearer and more accessible guidelines: Ordinary Resolution for Removal : The owners corporation can now remove a committee member through an ordinary resolution at a general meeting. This is a significant change from the previous requirement for a special resolution, making it easier to take action when necessary. Ineligibility Period : Once a member is removed, they are barred from being re-appointed or re-elected to the strata committee for 12 months from the date of the resolution. This ensures that individuals who were removed cannot immediately return, providing a safeguard against repeated issues and allowing the owners' corporation to refresh committee membership effectively. Example: A strata committee member, John, has consistently failed to attend meetings and engage in decision-making. Other committee members believe this is impeding the progress of the committee's work. To address this, an owner submits a request for a general meeting to discuss and vote on John's removal. If the resolution to remove John is resolved, John will be ineligible for reappointment for 12 months. Grounds for Removal While the Act does not require specific grounds to be cited for the removal of a committee member, having justifiable reasons can strengthen the motion and build consensus among owners. Common grounds for removal include: Non-attendance : Consistent failure to attend meetings. Misconduct : Acting in a manner that breaches the member's duties or conflicts with the interests of the owners' corporation. Conflict of Interest : Failure to declare conflicts of interest that may affect decision-making. Example: Sarah, another committee member, has been using her position to influence decisions that benefit her private business interests. Owners in the strata community become aware of this conflict of interest and convene a meeting to vote on her removal. The motion passes with a strong majority after evidence of her actions is presented. NCAT Intervention for Strata Committee Member Removal In cases where the internal removal process is insufficient or the issue is severe, the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT)  has the power to intervene and remove individual committee members or even the entire committee under certain circumstances, as outlined in Section 238 of the Strata Schemes Management Act 2015 . This section is designed to uphold proper governance and address significant issues affecting the strata scheme. Removal Criteria: NCAT may remove a committee member if they: Violate NSW strata laws : This includes breaching the Strata Schemes Management Act 2015 , related regulations, or the by-laws of the specific strata scheme. Fail to exercise due care and diligence : Committee members are expected to perform their duties responsibly and with an appropriate level of attention. Engage in serious misconduct : Actions that compromise their duties or the interests of the owners' corporation fall under this category. In Vojkovic v Savva , NCAT clarified that the criteria for removal outlined in Section 238 are not exhaustive. This means that NCAT may consider other relevant factors to ensure the integrity of the committee and protect the interests of the community. Removing a strata committee member is a significant decision with the potential for far-reaching legal and community impacts. It is vital for owners and strata managers to approach the process with due care and a thorough understanding of the relevant legal requirements. Whether considering removal through a general meeting or escalating the issue to NCAT, each method involves specific procedures and implications that must be carefully navigated. Key Points to Remember When Considering Strata Committee Member Removal: Due Diligence : Approach the process with careful planning and knowledge of the legal framework. Evaluate All Options : Consider the pros and cons of removing a member at an AGM, seeking NCAT intervention, or exploring alternative dispute resolution. Fairness and Harmony : Strive to maintain fairness and prioritize the community’s overall well-being. Professional Guidance : When uncertain, seek advice from a qualified strata managing agent or lawyer to ensure that the process is handled correctly. Operational Considerations : Remember that removing a committee member can temporarily affect the day-to-day running of the strata scheme, impacting tasks like capital works and updates to the strata roll. Taking these factors into account will help maintain effective governance and safeguard the interests of the strata community during what can be a challenging process. For expert advice and support in navigating the complexities of strata committee member removal, contact Compass Strata . Our experienced team can guide you through each step, ensuring compliance with legal requirements and preserving community harmony. Reach out to us today to make informed, confident decisions for your strata scheme.

After-hours Emergencies Peace of Mind Cover for unexpectted disruptions At Compass Strata, we understand that building emergencies don't stick to office hours. That's why we're proud to extend our protection to cover after-hours and public holidays. If you encounter a common property emergency outside regular hours, simply call 02 7229 6352 to access our after-hours service (charges apply). Examples of after-hours emergencies include situations like burst or blocked sewers leading to bio-waste entering common areas or living spaces, burst pipes causing water damage, broken or smashed glass in common areas, or non-operational entry/exit points (if this is the sole access) to common garages. However, it's essential to note that certain issues, such as locking yourself out, noise disturbances, power outages within your lot, or unauthorised parking, do not constitute emergencies and should be addressed during regular office hours. Please be aware that some communities may have their own specific after-hours emergency procedures, so we recommend referring to the onsite notice board for additional information. Call 000 in situations that require immediate assistance from police, fire, or ambulance services. This includes emergencies such as fires, medical emergencies, car accidents, crimes in progress, or any situation where life or property is in immediate danger. It's important to only use 000 for emergencies requiring urgent attention from emergency services. Request a Quote Experience tailored solutions and expertise that make a difference in your community's success. Elevate your Community Management experience. Get a Quote Community Insights A blog by Compass Strata :: Explore . Engage . Empower Compass Strata 4 min read Silent Nights, Fun-Filled Parties: How to Rock a Christmas Bash Without Rocking the Walls The festive season is upon us, and with it comes the irresistible urge to deck the halls, pour the eggnog, and host a Christmas bash... Compass Strata 2 min read Why Every Apartment Investor Needs a Depreciation Report Investing in property is one of the most effective ways to build wealth and secure financial stability. For property investors,... Compass Strata 4 min read Can a Strata Committee Member Be Removed in NSW? Strata committees play a critical role in the management of strata schemes, representing the owners corporation in decision-making and... 1 2 3 4 5

Introducing our law firm Navigating Success, Your Trusted Partner In Building Communities Together Chart Your Course Introducing Compass Strata At Compass Strata, we're more than just a management company - we're your trusted navigator in the complex world of strata management. As a leading strata manager in Sydney, we empower owners to make informed decisions and achieve success. With our expertise and unwavering support, we guide you seamlessly through the challenges, saving you time, energy, and hassle. From providing valuable insights to ensuring smooth sailing, we're committed to your journey's success. Choose Compass Strata as your partner in strata management excellence. Get in Touch Our Services 01. Strata Management Our team of experts has years of experience in strata management. We provide a wide range of services to meet the unique needs of our clients. From financial management to maintenance, we have got you covered. We work closely with our owners to ensure that their needs are met every step of the way. Learn More 02. Community Associations Community Associations bear resemblance to strata schemes, yet they are governed by distinct legislation and can present added complexities. Our team of expert managers is adept at navigating the unique nuances and addressing the varied needs of guiding association committees and owners. Learn More 03. Building Management Committees With the increasing prevalence of mixed-use developments in Sydney, Building Management Committees (BMCs) have become commonplace for overseeing shared facilities. Recognising expense allocation can often be perplexing for members, that's where our experienced team can step in to provide clarity. Learn More 04. Compulsory Management Ensuring the smooth running of a community requires the concerted effort and support of owners. When such collaboration is not feasible, a compulsory strata manager may be necessary to take over some or all functions of the owners corporation. With decades of strata management experience, our team will ensure we act in the best interest of owners. Learn More Strata management is the art of harmonising buildings, fostering unity in diversity, and turning challenges into stepping stones towards thriving communities. Community Insights Community Insights A blog by Compass Strata :: Explore . Engage . Empower Compass Strata 4 min read Everyday Conversations Silent Nights, Fun-Filled Parties: How to Rock a Christmas Bash Without Rocking the Walls The festive season is upon us, and with it comes the irresistible urge to deck the halls, pour the eggnog, and host a Christmas bash... Compass Strata 2 min read Money Matters Why Every Apartment Investor Needs a Depreciation Report Investing in property is one of the most effective ways to build wealth and secure financial stability. For property investors,... Compass Strata 4 min read Playing by the Rules Can a Strata Committee Member Be Removed in NSW? Strata committees play a critical role in the management of strata schemes, representing the owners corporation in decision-making and... 1 2 3 4 5

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