Understanding the difference between your strata manager and your building manager can help you know who to contact when issues arise. Read more to learn about their roles and responsibilities.

Whether you’re fixing a leaky tap or installing a brand-new kitchen, apartment owners in strata schemes often wonder: Can I use my own tradespeople? And what rules can the strata committee actually enforce? 

Here’s a practical, Australia wide guide to the rights and limits around using your own tradies, no matter which state or territory you live in. 

Few things in strata life spark as much drama as parking. Forget soap operas the real action is over who owns that prized car space, mysterious garage, or bit of driveway. Here’s how to figure out who’s the boss of what, and why it matters to everyone from the most easy-going resident to the rule-book-clutching committee member. 

That empty concrete slab seems perfect for a few extra items a bike rack, maybe some shelves, boxes of unwanted clothes and crockery. But even though it’s your space, strata laws treat parking areas differently from private property. Here’s what you can (and can’t) store in an open car space without breaching by-laws or safety regulations. 

A torn flyscreen might seem like a small annoyance, but in a strata property, even small repairs can raise the big question, who’s responsible? The answer depends on a few key factors: whether it’s part of the common property, your lot, and what your by-laws say. 

We all love a furry (or feathered) friend but in strata or community title living, your neighbour’s pet can sometimes be more howl than wow. Maybe it’s a dog who thinks it’s auditioning for “The Voice,” a cat who treats every balcony as its personal runway, or a cockatoo with a vocabulary that would make your grandma blush. 

The ultimate guide for strata, community, and company title leaders who want order… and maybe even smiles. 

So, you’ve drawn the short straw (or bravely volunteered) to chair the meeting. Congratulations! You now hold the gavel of power… or, more realistically, the pen you’ll tap on the table to get everyone’s attention. Chairing a meeting doesn’t have to feel like herding cats. With the right approach, you can run a meeting that’s productive, on time, and (dare we say) enjoyable. 

Let’s be honest: receiving a strata meeting notice doesn’t exactly spark joy. For many of us, it’s right up there with tax return instructions and assembling flat-pack furniture. But before you glaze over and bury it under a pile of takeaway menus or delete into your email bin, give it a second look. That notice holds more power than you think it tells you when big (and small) decisions about your building will be made, and whether your voice gets heard or drowned out. 

If you own an apartment, townhouse, or villa in a strata scheme, chances are you’ve heard whispers about the infamous strata meeting. Maybe you’ve even received a politely worded notice inviting (or is it summoning?) you to an Annual General Meeting (AGM).  

Losing your apartment keys can quickly turn a normal day into a stressful one especially if you live in a strata-managed building. Whether you’re locked out or simply can’t find your keys, knowing who to call (and what your responsibilities are) can help you act quickly and avoid unnecessary costs. 

Here’s a practical breakdown of what to do if you’ve lost your apartment keys, with real-life examples to make things clear. 

If you’ve been appointed Chairperson of your committee (or stepping in to chair a meeting), congratulations and don’t panic.  

Chairing a strata or community association meeting doesn’t require legal training or a big booming voice. It simply takes preparation, a fair approach, and an understanding of how strata an community meetings work. 

This beginner’s guide will walk you through your responsibilities and provide a handy checklist to help you run your first meeting smoothly and confidently. 

(A fast, fuss-free guide to meeting records for strata and community schemes) 

Taking minutes doesn’t need to be a headache or take all night. Whether you’re in a self-managed strata or community scheme, or just an active committee who undertake their own meetings, the aim is simple: record what was decided and who will do it. That’s it. Minutes are not a novel; they’re a record. 

(A stress-free guide for strata & community schemes) 

A good meeting starts with a good agenda. In strata and community schemes especially if you’re self-managed the agenda is your map. Without one, meetings can meander, tempers can flare, and you’ll probably forget the thing you actually needed to decide. 

Luckily, drafting an agenda isn’t rocket science. Here’s how to get it done without losing your evening (or your patience).

Buying an apartment, townhouse, or shared property is exciting, but the legal terms “Owners Corporation”, “Strata Title”, “Body Corporate” can be confusing. Knowing what they mean helps you avoid surprises and make smarter property decisions. 

Strata levies can feel like a mysterious and ever-increasing cost for many owners and residents in strata schemes. But behind every levy notice is a clear process, a legislated framework, and a practical purpose. 

Water damage is one of the most common issues faced by strata schemes across Australia. From burst pipes to roof leaks and overflowing gutters, water can cause significant disruption to owners and tenants and dealing with insurance claims can often feel daunting. 

The good news? A well-prepared claim can make all the difference between a smooth process and frustrating delays. Whether you’re a strata committee member, building manager, or simply an interested owner, here are our top tips for making a successful water damage claim on your strata insurance policy. 

Maintaining a property isn't just about appearance it’s about protecting your investment, ensuring the safety of residents, and preventing expensive issues before they arise. In Australia, strata-titled properties come with their own complexities. Shared ownership, multi-residence layouts, and varied responsibilities mean that maintenance must be consistent, well-planned, and proactive. 

Apartment living has many advantages, but security is something all residents need to be mindful of. With so many people coming and going, it’s easy for risks to creep in if we’re not careful. The good news? A few small habits can make a big difference to keeping you, your neighbours, and your building safe. 

We all enjoy celebrating life’s milestones with family and friends. But when you live in an apartment or townhouse, parties can quickly become a headache for your neighbours if they’re not handled thoughtfully.  

Noise, rubbish and common area misuse are among the most common complaints in strata schemes and in some cases, they can even lead to formal complaints. 

If you’re planning to host an event in your strata property, here are some practical tips to help you keep the peace, avoid problems, and ensure everyone enjoys the night. 

Running a self-managed scheme is a great way to save on management fees and stay directly involved in how your building is run. But with that independence comes responsibility especially when it comes to keeping proper records. 

Good record-keeping isn’t just a legal requirement under strata and community scheme laws in every Australian state and territory it’s also your best defence against disputes, confusion, and headaches down the track. 

Here’s a simple guide for small, self-managed schemes.