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.

A lot of strata owners assume that apartments aren’t a good place to keep pets, as most units have limited space and generally don’t have an easily accessible outdoor area for animals like cats and dogs to roam free. However, many pets are able to thrive in strata buildings. The key is finding an animal that fits your space.

For years, many strata committees have been frustrated by the lack of transparency around insurance costs, undisclosed rebates, and hidden commissions. In response, some strata managing agents are now adopting a fee-for-service model…

If you own a unit in a strata building and have been thinking about switching to solar energy, you’re part of a growing movement, but installing solar panels in a shared building isn’t as straightforward as it is for standalone homes…

Strata maintenance is about creating safe, compliant, and appealing environments for all residents. Addressing these common problems early can save you thousands in the long run and prevent serious disruptions. 

Renting an apartment comes with specific laws and regulations, and understanding your rights and responsibilities as a tenant is essential to getting the most our of the shared living experience.