As more Australians seek autonomy and cost savings in managing their apartment buildings and townhouse complexes, self-managed strata schemes are gaining traction. While this approach offers significant benefits including lower costs and greater control it also presents complex challenges that require careful planning and, increasingly, creative hybrid solutions. 

Few issues cause as much friction in apartment living as smoking and vaping. One person sees it as a personal choice; their neighbour experiences it as smoke drifting through windows, doors or vents,  sometimes daily.

So what does the law actually say? And when does smoking or vaping stop being a private activity and become a legal problem?

If you’re buying or selling an apartment, townhouse or villa in a strata scheme, chances are you’ll hear the term “Section 184 certificate” (aka a Strata Information Certificate) early in the process. It’s one of the most important documents in any strata property transaction, yet it’s also one of the most misunderstood.

This article explains what a Section 184 certificate is, why it’s important, what information it must contain, and how it fits into the broader Australia-wide framework of strata disclosure certificates.

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.

If you’re a strata treasurer or committee member in a self-managed scheme, you probably handle payments to regular contractors like cleaners, gardeners, or maintenance trades. But what happens when one of them suddenly sends an invoice with different bank account details?

Picture this: you walk into the lobby of your building, notice the ceiling light has gone out, and think to yourself, “I’ll just call the strata manager, they’ll come fix it.”

It’s the ultimate home upgrade the promise of sleek benchtops, whisper-quiet drawers, and maybe even a super fancy tap that does fizzy as well as boiling water on command. But in a strata scheme, it’s also the fastest way to send your committee members scurrying for their by-law binders.

Meetings are where the most important decisions about your building are made from approving budgets and levies, to tackling repairs, upgrades, and by-laws. Yet for many owners, these meetings can feel daunting. Who gets to speak? When can you ask a question? And what if the chairperson tells you to keep quiet?

With a little planning, a clear agenda, and a good grasp of your legal obligations, you can run a smooth, productive meeting that sets your scheme up for success.

If you're buying into a new development or simply want to better understand property ownership in modern communities, this article will help clarify what community title is, and how it differs from the more familiar strata title.

In strata and community schemes, meetings are where decisions get made but not all meetings are created equal. Two of the most common are committee meetings and general meetings. They sound similar, but they serve different purposes, involve different people, and follow different rules. 

Strata and community title living is an increasingly popular choice across Australia, offering shared amenities, maintained common areas, and a built-in sense of community. However, behind the scenes of every well-run strata or community scheme lies a framework of clearly defined roles and responsibilities. Understanding who does what is essential for smooth operation, effective decision-making, and harmonious living. 

What Is Strata Title? A 60-Year Evolution of Shared Property Ownership

(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. 

Asbestos was once a popular building material because it was durable, fire-resistant, and affordable. It was commonly used in roofing, flooring, insulation, and even bathroom walls. The health risks come from inhaling asbestos fibres, which can cause serious illness

General meetings are where big decisions get made, budgets, by-laws, repairs, and even litigation. If there’s something you want the scheme to decide on, the way to make it happen is by putting forward a motion….

So, you're moving into a strata property and dreaming of cozy evenings with your furry (or scaly… or feathery) companion. But before you bring your beloved pet through the door, it's important to know: not all pets are welcome in strata living. 

Let's take a playful (but helpful!) stroll through which pets usually get a green light and which ones might raise a few strata eyebrows. 

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. 

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. 

Buying an apartment, townhouse or a community title property can be exciting, but it’s also a major financial commitment. Beyond inspecting the property itself, one step many buyers overlook is the record search, [also termed a ‘strata search’]. This is a simple yet powerful tool that can protect you from unexpected costs and headaches down the track.