How two-lot scheme owners can make decisions (without the drama!)

Living in a two-lot strata scheme can be simple until you hit a roadblock trying to make a decision. The good news? With a little planning and good communication, it’s possible to keep things smooth and stress-free.  

Here are 5 easy ways to avoid conflicts: 

1. Talk it out early 
   Most issues can be sorted with an open, honest chat. Before things escalate, pick up the phone, send an email, or have a quick coffee to talk through expectations and concerns. A little clarity can go a long way. 

2. Set regular catch-ups 
   Even in a two-lot scheme, it helps to have a set time for meetings and especially the Annual General Meeting with a simple agenda. Keep notes of decisions and Minutes so everyone’s on the same page. 

3. Agree on some basic rules 
   Customise your by-laws to suit your little community. Sorting out things like shared area use, repairs, and maintenance before issues arise can save a lot of headaches later. 

4. Handle deadlocks smartly 
   What if one votes yes and the other votes no? Either owner can call for a poll, where votes are based on unit entitlements. (If one lot has more entitlement, their vote carries more weight on majority matters.) For decisions that require both owners to agree, aim for compromise otherwise, things can stall. 

5. Bring in a neutral helper if needed 
   If you can’t resolve an issue go to your local state or territory agency who can provide resources or offers for free mediation services to help break the deadlock. For ongoing or tricky matters, a strata manager or independent advisor can help take the pressure off. Try and avoid escalation to Courts or Tribunals unless it’s an absolute last resort, no one wins from that path. 

Australian Capital Territory  

Access Canberra 

www.accesscanberra.act.gov.au 

New South Wales 

NSW Fair Trading 

www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au 

Northern Territory 

NT Consumer Affairs 

consumeraffairs.nt.gov.au 

Queensland 

Office of Fair Trading (QLD) 

www.qld.gov.au/law/fair-trading 

South Australia 

Consumer and Business Services (CBS) 

www.cbs.sa.gov.au 

Tasmania 

Consumer, Building and Occupational Services (CBOS) 

www.cbos.tas.gov.au 

Victoria 

Consumer Affairs Victoria 

www.consumer.vic.gov.au 

Western Australia 

Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (Consumer Protection) 

www.dmirs.wa.gov.au 

The takeaway? 
Focus on collaboration, clear rules, and keeping communication open. With the right approach, managing a two-lot scheme can stay simple and conflict-free. 

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Disclaimer: 

This article is intended for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Readers should seek independent legal and professional guidance relevant to their specific circumstances and jurisdiction