How do I start a community garden in my strata scheme? – Nick, NSW
The first step is to discuss the idea with your neighbours and committee members.
I am thinking of buying into a unit block. How do I find out about their strata, if they are having problems, or if the scheme has any planned future works that I will have to contribute to? – JC, NSW
Prior to buying into a strata scheme you should engage a professional strata inspector to conduct a strata search (your solicitor …
Someone in my building is making a lot of noise at night. What can I do?
You should always try to resolve the problem yourself first by calmly approaching them.
How could I go about changing the rules without writing to all owners? – Ben, VIC
For matters only affecting the committee, a general or special committee meeting can be called.
What rights do committee members have to vote against the strata committee’s decisions in regard to common property? – Chris, NSW
All committee members must make a decision that is in the best interests of the property overall.
What can owners on the bottom floor do about where the garbage sits as the odour carries into their apartment? – Colette, NSW
Garbage should be stored in a designated garbage room.
I wish to re-erect a fence, buy my neighbour/s in the other unit/s have objected. What rights do I have? Can I erect a fence on my land? – Philip, QLD
Most fences fall under the Dividing Fences Act in New South Wales (there is similar legislation in other states), so it’s …
Does strata management have a role to check the prices are fair that owners are quoted for work to be done on our building? – Helen, NSW
At the committee’s request, your strata manager can assist in providing quotes from accredited and reputable suppliers.
Our strata electricity bill is very high. Which supplier do you recommend we contact to reduce this cost? – Olwyn S, NSW
Perhaps you’re already on a good plan and probably have other reasons for the high electricity bills. Anything from a faulty …
I live by myself in a strata townhouse and would like to own a dog as a companion. Do I need permission for this? – Melissa, NSW
When it comes to owning and managing pets in strata properties, the first thing to do is to check the by-laws …
Does strata pay for external washing of windows on the second storey of my townhouse? – Erica, NSW
Your levy payments or fees are likely to cover this type of service, but this depends on the by-laws in place …
I own an apartment in Sydney. Our neighbours smoke right next to our main bedroom and of course the smell wafts in. We can never leave the windows open because of that. Strata has sent 2 letters in regards to the smoke situation but there’s been no improvement. What can strata do at this point? Can I get strata to install non smoking signs in all the entrances of the building? – Michael, NSW
It depends on where your neighbours are standing while they smoke – are they doing this within the premises of their …
Who is responsible for maintaining gutters in the front of my townhouse and fixing the leaking roof that is damaging the carpet inside? – Debbie. C, NSW
If the gutters are part of common property, your strata committee or owners corporation would be responsible for maintaining this. It …
I act for my uncle who owns a property. The unit is leased because he is in full-time residential care. Are the tenants allowed to use his unit for short-term letting? The owner does not want this to occur. Is it permissible for a tenant to ignore such a direction? – Tony, NSW
Tenants cannot let out the unit without the permission of the landlord or violate the terms of the lease that prohibits …
Who is responsible for repair costs relating to retaining walls between my villa and common property? Greg, NSW
If it’s part of common property under a strata scheme, your strata committee would be responsible for maintaining this. It depends …
