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Building defects can impact your apartment’s value and safety. A specialist lawyer can help protect your rights and ensure action is taken before critical warranty deadlines expire.
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Building defects can impact your apartment’s value and safety. A specialist lawyer can help protect your rights and ensure action is taken before critical warranty deadlines expire.
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?
Organising social events doesn’t have to be complicated, and over time, these small efforts build trust, reduce conflicts, and make strata living a more enjoyable experience for everyone.
A professional strata manager is not just an administrator. They act as an advisor, coordinator, and compliance partner providing systems and expertise that help a scheme run smoothly. While the owners corporation / body corporate / strata company (the name varies by state) is always the final decision-maker, a professional manager gives the committee the tools and advice to make informed choices, ensuring the scheme is both legally compliant and well-maintained.
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.
Scammers are getting smarter — and contractors are firmly in their sights. With so many moving parts in a typical job, it only takes one weak spot for a fraudster to slip in and redirect thousands of dollars.
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.
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Strata Law
Building defects can impact your apartment’s value and safety. A specialist lawyer can help protect your rights and ensure action is taken before critical warranty deadlines expire.
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?
A professional strata manager is not just an administrator. They act as an advisor, coordinator, and compliance partner providing systems and expertise that help a scheme run smoothly. While the owners corporation / body corporate / strata company (the name varies by state) is always the final decision-maker, a professional manager gives the committee the tools and advice to make informed choices, ensuring the scheme is both legally compliant and well-maintained.
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.
If you own, live in, or manage a strata or community-title property in NSW whether it’s an apartment, townhouse, villa, or community-land scheme it’s worth understanding the law changes that have happened and what is in store for 2026. These reforms are designed to make strata living fairer, safer, and more transparent for everyone involved.
NSW Parliament introduced major reforms to strengthen transparency and accountability in strata management. These changes directly benefit lot owners by ensuring your strata manager operates with full disclosure and in your owners corporation's best interests.
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.
There are strict time limitation periods in Victoria’s building laws, which require owners of buildings to file their claims at VCAT or in the Courts promptly. Owners Corporations owe a strict duty to repair and maintain its common property, and this duty can be enforced by any member of the relevant Owners Corporation.
One of the major culprits are flexible hoses or “flexi-hoses” that connect plumbing fixtures such as sinks and appliances. These are bendable pipes that are typically made up of a stainless-steel braid on the outside, with a rubber or plastic inner tube, making plumbing easier in tight spaces.
Strata Levies & Finances
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?
A realistic budget is more than just numbers on a page. It keeps your property maintained, ensures legal compliance, and prevents nasty surprises…..
Whether you’re a first-time buyer or adding to your property portfolio, knowing how strata fees work can help you make better decisions and avoid financial surprises.
A key reform taking effect on 27 October 2025 involves updated provisions for debt recovery and payment plans under the Strata and Community Schemes legislation.
If you live in an apartment building, townhouse, or duplex, you live a little closer to your neighbours than those in standalone houses, which can mean dealing with noise and privacy concerns…
Levies are a fundamental aspect of community and strata living, but when these levies become unreasonably high, they can place a significant financial strain on property owners.
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.
Building Compliance
Christmas lights are a great way to bring some cheer to your building, but in strata and community schemes you need to think about safety, rules and the people living around you. As electricians, we have seen what goes wrong and most issues are easily avoided with the right gear and a bit of common sense.
Fire safety inspections are a regular occurrence in every building, and they usually go off without a hitch — until they don’t.
Keeping your buildings safe—and compliant—has never been more important. Here’s everything you need to know to help you keep the flames at bay.
Repairs & Maintenance
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.
Christmas lights are a great way to bring some cheer to your building, but in strata and community schemes you need to think about safety, rules and the people living around you. As electricians, we have seen what goes wrong and most issues are easily avoided with the right gear and a bit of common sense.
One of the major culprits are flexible hoses or “flexi-hoses” that connect plumbing fixtures such as sinks and appliances. These are bendable pipes that are typically made up of a stainless-steel braid on the outside, with a rubber or plastic inner tube, making plumbing easier in tight spaces.
If you live in a strata scheme, you may have noticed that keeping windows clean can be a bigger task than it seems. Whether you live in a high-rise apartment or a smaller complex, window washing is more than just an aesthetic concern it’s a matter of safety, compliance, and proper maintenance.
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.
Strata insurance claims don’t have to be overwhelming. By preparing key information and documents early, you can help avoid unnecessary delays and ensure your scheme is back to normal as soon as possible.
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.
Building and facility managers are the unsung heroes of strata living, and choosing the right manager will lead to a far better shared living experience for all residents.
Is replacing the air conditioning unit in a strata-titled property considered cosmetic works, a minor renovation, or a major renovation under strata law?
Roles & Responsibilities
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.
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 own a unit, townhouse in a strata scheme or a lot in a community association, you’ve probably heard about the statutory meetings but they can feel a bit formal or confusing. Don’t worry! These meetings are simply where owners come together to make decisions about how the property is run. Getting involved is important because your vote shapes how your community looks and functions.
Christmas lights are a great way to bring some cheer to your building, but in strata and community schemes you need to think about safety, rules and the people living around you. As electricians, we have seen what goes wrong and most issues are easily avoided with the right gear and a bit of common sense.
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’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.
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.
Common Complaints & Disputes
We’ve all heard the horror stories the bathroom refit that turned into a full plumbing overhaul, the “quiet” painting job that somehow needed a jackhammer. In strata living, long or noisy renovations can push even the friendliest neighbour relationships to the brink……
Parking issues are one of the most common and frustrating challenges in strata communities. From visitor spots being used as permanent parking to residents blocking driveways or parking on lawns. Small problems can quickly escalate into big disputes.
The good news: with clear rules, consistent action, and good communication, most strata parking problems can be managed effectively.
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:
If you’ve ever wondered what strata managers actually do all day (apart from politely declining to unblock your kitchen sink), buckle up. The truth is, being a strata manager is part admin, part diplomat, part financial controller, part psychologist and part professional cat-herder. It’s not glamorous, but it’s never boring.
The Tribunal made orders for the owner of a lot (the “Respondent”) to restore or replace the carpet or floor coverings that they had installed throughout their lot due to the excessive noise this renovation caused to the lot below (the “Applicant”).
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….
I If you've ever sat through a tense strata committee meeting, you’ll know that disagreements are part and parcel of strata living. Disputes over budgets, by-laws, lawn arrangements, or even flowerpots are not uncommon. But when those disagreements turn into Tribunal proceedings seeking the appointment of a compulsory managing agent under section 237 of the Strata Schemes Management Act 2015 (NSW) (“SSMA”),
Running a strata scheme involves many decisions from approving budgets to authorising repairs or updating by-laws. These decisions are usually made through voting at general meetings or by written/electronic ballot. But here’s the catch: if the voting process isn’t handled properly….
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.
Living in an apartment offers many benefits, but it also comes with shared walls, communal spaces, and often, unwanted noise…
Strata Insurance
If you own, live in, or manage a strata or community-title property in NSW whether it’s an apartment, townhouse, villa, or community-land scheme it’s worth understanding the law changes that have happened and what is in store for 2026. These reforms are designed to make strata living fairer, safer, and more transparent for everyone involved.
One of the major culprits are flexible hoses or “flexi-hoses” that connect plumbing fixtures such as sinks and appliances. These are bendable pipes that are typically made up of a stainless-steel braid on the outside, with a rubber or plastic inner tube, making plumbing easier in tight spaces.
What happens if your building has known safety risks, such as fire hazards, structural issues, building defects or outdated electrical systems? Will insurers still provide cover, and if so, under what conditions?