Out of luck when strata by-laws ban pets
In all the kerfuffle over the new strata regulations, pet by-laws predictably got their fair share of column inches, internet clicks and confusion. To be clear, there are two new…
Past Posts
These posts go all the way back to the raw versions of my Flat Chat columns for the Sydney Morning Herald’s Domain section over th e past 15 years. Some of the issues are specific to New South Wales, some are universal. There will almost certainly be differences in strata law between NSW and other states and countries and the laws have changed over that timespan too.
If you have a serious problem, contact the agencies (in Australia) listed in our contacts sections. Or contact a properly qualified and experienced strata lawyer. These columns should not be regarded as a substitute for professional legal advice.
Roundup: Different strokes for strata folks
It’s been a big week here in StrataLand, with the release of the regulations to go along with the new NSW strata laws that are due to come in on November 30…
The trouble with tenants (it’s us)
There are two major problems with tenants. Firstly, we treat them with contempt and disdain and then wonder why some of them – a tiny minority – behave badly. Then…
Strata regs: The legals have landed
The new strata regulations are with us and it is interesting to see what kind of flesh they have put on the bones of the impending strata law reforms. Regulations are…
Roundup: Fear and loathing on the Forum
The Forum has been busy this week with a variety of questions: straight, curly and occasionally just a little bit crazy. What do you do when your committee ignores an…
Tenants Union hits 40
Over the past few years, we have been grateful to Tenants Union for the advice offered on their website. We haven’t always agreed on everything but we’re glad they’re around.…
Don’t panic: strata changes explained
Confused about the new legislation? Scared, even? Why wouldn’t you be – there are 90 different changes to NSW strata laws, plus all the regulations on top of that, ranging from…
Proxy block: Get ready for online voting
All over Strataland, you can hear the wails of distress as desperate proxy vote hoarders look into the abyss of the new laws and the introduction of electronic voting. On…
Where the noise upstairs really comes from
I think sometimes we maybe take ourselves a bit too seriously. Having said that, the above video was sent to us by a long-time Flatchatter who has the unique distinction…
Roundup: Short stays, vote stacking and even praise for NCAT
The discussion on whether or not you can pass a by-law to ban short-stay or holiday lets trundles on. It seems that you can but if a determined holiday letter…
Short-stay ban overturned by NCAT
Last week, the Supreme Court in Melbourne ruled that owners corporations could not pass by-laws banning short-stay lets, such as through Airbnb, in apartment buildings. This is a big win…
Will Victoria’s pro-Airbnb ruling affect NSW
Last Friday, the Victorian Supreme court ruled that owners corporations in that state did not have the right to ban short-stay lets, which is a major blow to any unit…