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Discover the seamless transition to a superior strata management experience with Compass Strata. During our exploratory consultation, we delve into your community's unique needs and concerns. Together, we'll explore how our tailored solutions can address them, ensuring a smooth and rewarding journey ahead.

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 the Basics of Strata Living Before diving into the specifics of your move, it’s essential to grasp what strata living entails . Strata properties, such as apartments, townhouses, and units, are part of a larger complex where ownership extends beyond just the interior of your unit. As a strata owner, you’ll own your individual lot and share ownership of common areas like gardens, pools, gyms, and hallways. Key Differences from House Living: Shared Spaces:  Unlike a standalone house where all spaces are yours, strata living involves shared areas that are jointly owned by all residents. Community Living:  You’ll be part of a community, which means more interaction with neighbours and a collective approach to property management. Strata Fees:  Regular fees are paid to maintain common areas, cover building insurance, and fund a capital works fund for future repairs. By-Laws and Rules:  Strata properties are governed by by-laws that regulate everything from pet ownership to renovations, ensuring harmony within the community. The Adjustment Phase: What to Expect 1. Getting Used to Shared Facilities One of the biggest changes when moving from a house to a strata property is sharing facilities. Whether it’s a rooftop garden, a swimming pool, or a communal gym, these shared amenities offer convenience and luxury but require a level of consideration for your neighbours. Tip:  Respect the rules and booking systems in place to ensure everyone can enjoy these facilities without conflicts. Leave facilities in a clean manner so the next person can enjoy it as much as you did. 2. Living by the By-Laws Strata living comes with its own set of rules designed to maintain order and harmony. These by-laws can cover a wide range of aspects, from noise levels to exterior decorations. While this might seem restrictive at first, these rules are in place to protect everyone’s rights and enhance the living experience. Tip:  Make sure you’re familiar with your building’s by-laws before moving in to avoid any surprises. There might even be a by-law that governs moving in/out, so be sure to respect this and not get off on the wrong foot with your neighbours. 3. Understanding Your Financial Obligations In a strata property, you’ll be responsible for paying strata fees (yes, this is compulsory and late payments attract interest), which cover the maintenance of common areas and building insurance. Additionally, there may be special levies for significant repairs or upgrades. Understanding these financial commitments is crucial for budgeting and avoiding unexpected costs. Tip:  Regularly review your strata budget and attend Owners Corporation meetings to stay informed about where your money is going. 4. Adapting to Close Proximity Living Living in closer quarters than a standalone house means adjusting to more frequent interactions with neighbours. While this can lead to a strong sense of community, it can also require more patience and diplomacy when it comes to noise or differing lifestyles. Tip:  Building positive relationships with your neighbours can go a long way in creating a pleasant living environment. For example, let your neighbour who works from home know if that you are a shift worker who needs to rest during the day so they are more mindful of noise. 5. Participating in the Strata Community Being part of a strata means having a say in how the property is managed. Attending strata meetings, voting on decisions, and possibly serving on the strata committee are all ways to ensure your voice is heard. Tip:  Active participation can help you stay informed and influence decisions that affect your living environment. Ready to Make the Move? Transitioning to strata living doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right preparation you can enjoy all the benefits of strata living while avoiding common pitfalls. Compass Strata  is your go-to expert for all things strata-related. From helping you understand the intricacies of strata living to providing ongoing support, we’re committed to making strata experience a positive one for communities under our care.

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 might only be accessible through that apartment. In such cases, the lot owner could be granted exclusive use rights to the garden, allowing them to enjoy it as their own private space. What Are Exclusive Use Rights? In a strata scheme, common property typically includes areas like gardens, driveways, and recreational spaces shared by all owners. However, in certain situations, an individual owner may be granted the exclusive right to use a specific section of the common property. This is known as an "exclusive use right." Despite this exclusive access, the actual ownership of the area remains with the Owners Corporation, which represents all the owners in the strata scheme. How Does Exclusive Use Work? When exclusive use rights are granted, they allow the owner of a particular lot to use a designated part of the common property as if it were part of their lot. For instance, in the case of our garden example, the lot owner would be the only person with access to that garden, even though it is technically common property. This arrangement often comes with an expectation that the owner will pay a fee or provide some form of compensation to the Owners Corporation, particularly if the area is of significant value. The Legal Process for Granting Exclusive Use Rights Granting exclusive use rights is not a decision to be taken lightly. It involves a series of legal steps to ensure that the arrangement is valid, fair, and enforceable. Here's how the process typically works: Drafting a Common Property Rights By-Law : The process begins with the drafting of a by-law by a solicitor. This by-law outlines the terms of the exclusive use right, including which part of the common property is being allocated, any conditions attached to its use, and any compensation to be paid to the Owners Corporation. Approval at a General Meeting : The proposed by-law must then be presented at a general meeting of the Owners Corporation. All owners in the strata scheme will have the opportunity to discuss and vote on the by-law. For it to pass, the by-law typically requires a special resolution , which means it needs the approval of at least 75% of those who vote. Conflict of Interest Declarations : It's important that any lot owner, proxy, or company nominee who has a conflict of interest declares it before the vote. They cannot vote on the resolution if they stand to gain personally or have a direct interest in the outcome. Written Acceptance : If the by-law is approved, each lot owner receiving the exclusive use rights must provide written acceptance of the terms. Registration : To ensure the by-law is legally binding, it must be registered with the NSW Land Registry Services within six months of the resolution. If registration is not completed within this timeframe, the by-law will not take effect. Challenge Period : Even after registration, there is a two-year period during which the by-law can be challenged. Challenges may arise if there are allegations of non-compliance with legal requirements or if there is evidence of fraud or deceit. Potential Challenges and Risks While the process may appear straightforward, it's not without risks. A by-law can be declared invalid if it violates existing laws or if fraudulent activity is discovered. These disputes can become particularly complex if the ownership of the lot in question changes hands. New owners might be unfairly affected by decisions made before they purchased the property. Exclusive use rights offer significant benefits, allowing lot owners to enjoy private access to valuable common property areas like gardens, parking spaces, or terraces. However, these rights come with responsibilities and legal obligations that must be carefully managed. At Compass Strata, our goal is to help our clients navigate the complexities of strata living with confidence. If you’re considering applying for exclusive use rights or have questions about your current arrangements, don’t hesitate to contact us . We're here to ensure you make the most of your strata property.

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 at the time the building was constructed, then the owners corporation is responsible for repair and maintenance of it. As such, the owners corporation's fire contractors will inspect all smoke alarms installed in the building as part of their annual fire safety inspection. If this is the case, there is no need to double up as you're already paying for it via your strata levy. Since 23 March 2020, NSW landlords and agents need to ensure that smoke alarms installed in rented properties are in working order. Understanding and adhering to these responsibilities is crucial for compliance and tenant safety. Responsibilities of Landlords and Agents for Smoke Alarms Landlords and agents must adhere to several key requirements to ensure smoke alarms in rental properties are functional and compliant: Timely Repairs: If a smoke alarm is not working, it must be repaired or replaced (including battery replacement) within 2 business days. Annual Checks: Smoke alarms must be checked every year to confirm they are operational. Replacement: Smoke alarms must be replaced within 10 years of manufacture, or earlier if specified by the manufacturer. Battery Maintenance: Batteries must be installed or replaced annually, or as specified by the manufacturer for lithium batteries. Notice Requirements: Provide at least 2 business days’ notice for inspections or assessments and at least 1 hour notice for repairs or replacements. Tenant Responsibilities Tenants also have a role in ensuring smoke alarms are functional: Reporting Issues: Notify landlords or agents if a smoke alarm is not working, including when batteries need replacing. Battery Replacement: Tenants must inform landlords when they change a battery or when a licensed electrician is engaged to repair or replace an alarm. Importance of Smoke Alarms Smoke alarms are a crucial safety feature in any property for several reasons: Early Detection: They provide early warning of a fire, allowing more time for occupants to escape safely. Life-Saving: Working smoke alarms significantly reduce the risk of injury or death in the event of a fire. Property Protection: Early detection can help minimise property damage by allowing faster response from emergency services. Legal Compliance: Ensuring smoke alarms are functional and compliant with regulations protects landlords from legal liability and potential fines. As a strata landlord, it's crucial to understand your responsibilities and avoid unnecessary expenses. Before engaging external contractors, check with your strata manager to determine if the owners corporation covers smoke alarm inspections and maintenance. This can save you time and money, ensuring that you are not paying twice for the same service. If you are not getting assistance from your manager, it may be time to look for one that will - Compass Strata ! Keeping your property and tenants safe is a top priority, and staying informed about your responsibilities is the first step.

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 us at 1300 724 814 to access our after-hours service (charges may 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. ​ ​ Years of Experience 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 3 min The Shocking Truth About Overcrowded Apartments and How It Affects You! With rising rent and cost of living pressures, overcrowded apartments may become a more prevalent issue for communities across Sydney. As... Compass Strata 3 min Stop Dumping in Your Strata: Legally Dispose of Abandoned Goods Effective management of abandoned goods in strata buildings is essential for maintaining order and cleanliness in common areas. As of 1... Compass Strata 3 min The Evolution of Apartment Design: Trends Over the Decades Apartment living has transformed dramatically over the decades, reflecting shifts in societal norms, economic conditions, technological... 1 2 3 4 5

物业管理 共建美好社区 专业决策，合规有效 领南物业管理公司 (Compass Strata) 作为新南威尔士州领先的物业管理公司，我们致力于为业主、业主委员会和整个社区提供高效、专业和可靠的物业管理解决方案。 ​ 我们的服务包括： ​ 物业管理 ：我们拥有经验丰富的专业团队，为各种类型的物业提供全面的管理服务，包括公寓、精选住宅社区、商业、工厂和零售等。 会议和决策支持 ：我们协助业主委员会组织和管理会议，提供专业的决策支持，确保决策的合规性和有效性。 维护和维修管理 ：我们与可靠的供应商合作，确保及时、高效地进行维护和维修工作，维护地物业的价值和品质。 财务管理 ：我们精通物业财务管理，为业主提供准确、透明的财务报告和预算制定。 社区管理 ：我们秉承着社区合作的理念，促进业主之间的沟通和协作，营造和谐稳定的社区环境。 物业 管理是一项复杂的任务，Compass Strata 将竭诚为您提供专业、可靠的物业管理服务，让您享受轻松、无忧的地产投资体验！ ​ 我们公司有会说普通话、粤语和英语的员工，随时为您提供帮助 。联系我们了解更多详情，让我们携手打造一个更美好的社区！ Years of Experience 体验更好的物业管理，立即行动！ 免费报价 Community Insights A blog by Compass Strata :: Explore . Engage . Empower Compass Strata 3 min The Shocking Truth About Overcrowded Apartments and How It Affects You! With rising rent and cost of living pressures, overcrowded apartments may become a more prevalent issue for communities across Sydney. As... Compass Strata 3 min Stop Dumping in Your Strata: Legally Dispose of Abandoned Goods Effective management of abandoned goods in strata buildings is essential for maintaining order and cleanliness in common areas. As of 1... Compass Strata 3 min The Evolution of Apartment Design: Trends Over the Decades Apartment living has transformed dramatically over the decades, reflecting shifts in societal norms, economic conditions, technological... 1 2 3 4 5

New / Change of Lease Notification Staying Connected In compliance with the provisions outlined in Section 258 of the Strata Schemes Management Act 2015, it is imperative that in the event of a lot being leased, the lessor inform the owners corporation not later than 14 days after the commencement of the lease. For your convenience, the owner or the leasing agent/property manager can provide the required information using the form below. The information provided will be used to update the Strata Roll. Owners must give notice to the owners corporation of a new lease within 14 days of commencement by law. Strata Plan Number Lot Number Address Lot Owner Name(s) Tenant Name(s) Primary Phone Secondary Phone Primary Email Secondary Email Lease Commencement Lease Expiry Lease Term Leasing Agency Property Manager Name Property Manager Phone Property Manager Email Additional Information Name of Submitting Person Submit Community Insights A blog by Compass Strata :: Explore . Engage . Empower Compass Strata 3 min The Shocking Truth About Overcrowded Apartments and How It Affects You! With rising rent and cost of living pressures, overcrowded apartments may become a more prevalent issue for communities across Sydney. As... Compass Strata 3 min Stop Dumping in Your Strata: Legally Dispose of Abandoned Goods Effective management of abandoned goods in strata buildings is essential for maintaining order and cleanliness in common areas. As of 1... Compass Strata 3 min The Evolution of Apartment Design: Trends Over the Decades Apartment living has transformed dramatically over the decades, reflecting shifts in societal norms, economic conditions, technological... 1 2 3 4 5