I am exploring the idea of extensively renovating my unit. Please advise – what is the standard requirements and approvals – that may need to be obtained? Can I just start work and deal with things with strata – as they arise? – James, NSW

Q: I am exploring the idea of extensively renovating my unit that is managed by PICA strata agent – involving completely …

Do we need to seek approval to install a doggy door for our dog to access outside? – Hayley, NSW

Q: Hi, we recently purchased into a strata lot. We have approval to keep our dog in the property, do we …

I recently bought a unit and started some renovations that I later found out fell under minor and I should have applied for approval first. I put the application in and am now concerned that they are not going to approve it. Any advice on how I can respond to strata? – Sarah, NSW

Q: I recently bought a unit and due to a lack of awareness of strata requirements, I started some renovations that …

Parking across garage entrances and on common property

Question
Could you please clarify the laws regarding parking on non-allocated parking areas on common property in Victoria? For example, if someone …

Over the past couple of months one of my neighbours has started a personal gym from their parking space. Is this business allowed and if not what can we do about it? – Luke, VIC

Q: Over the past couple of months one of my neighbours has started a personal gym from their parking space (which …

I’m concerned my renovations won’t be approved by my committee

Question
I recently purchased a unit and started some renovations without approval. It was only for a new kitchen splashback, new floor …

Can other owners stop me from entering common areas?

Question
As a lot owner, can I be refused entry to common areas by another occupier?

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Answer
All lot owners have access to …

Our committee needs to enforce a new owner to install a hot water system like the other units, but that new owner is refusing & claiming it is a body corporate problem. What should we do to resolve the impasse? – Phillip, NSW

Q: Our strata scheme is a 14-lot holiday letting complex in NSW that was built with 13 holiday units and one …

Our residents don’t read or comply with our by-laws – help needed! – Andrew, QLD

Q:  I’m on my body corporate committee, and I find that a lot of owners or tenants do not read or …

I received a notice that I breached a by-law, what will happen?

Q: I live in a small complex of units with only one drying area and one clothesline for 12 units. Occasionally, …

Could Airbnb jeopardise our insurance?

Question 
We’re in a block of six units, and one is being let through Airbnb. This is in breach of the council …

How will visitors to the property know you can’t smoke here? – Roslyn, NSW

Q: Smoking has recently been banned on common grounds in my unit block (including ALL balconies). However, if there is a …

Our elderly neighbour blocks the garage with their car. Without a body corporate, how to we remedy this? – Will, VIC

Q: We have a shared driveway for two dwellings. Our elderly neighbour parks their car in front of their garage, so …

Can you explain in broad terms what common property actually is? – Peter, NSW

Can you explain in broad terms what common property actually is?
Common property is generally a shared space with your neighbours/other owners …

My strata committee is demanding I re-install posts that are common property but were removed before I purchased the lot. What can I do? – Bernie, NSW

Q: Some years prior to the purchase of my lot, two posts were removed from my balcony for aesthetic reasons. I’ve …