Cloosing gate on uninsured claims
QUESTION: An owner’s car was recently damaged by the automatic garage door as it closed on the car’s bumper. Apparently the sensors did not detect that the car was still…
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.
Would you pass a strata driving test?
Eavesdropping on an email discussion at the Owners Corporation Network the other day, I came across this question: what do you do with a rusted-on Executive Committee member who's been…
Agents – the heroic and the horrific
‘Jimmy, I like ur column SMH, but do u have 2 continually bag out landlords, most of us r fair otherwise we wouldn’t have tenants.’ So Tweeted @schtang a few…
Have your say on the CTTT
I have been accused in the past of being unfair to the Consumer Trader and Tenancy Tribunal. Considering I have described them as clowns and their processes as ‘chocolate wheel…
Need beats greed for low-cost homes
Browsing through Twitter at the weekend, I happened upon this from our friends at the Tenants Union (@TUNSW) quoting an article in the Melbourne Age. “Unemployed single parents have no…
Stairway trick a low blow
Most of the questions to this column arrive via the Forum, these days, or by email. But occasionally I get approached at a party- a bit like a doctor being…
Pool parties no fun
We got a posting on the forum this week from a tenant in flats near UNSW. He was assured before he moved in that the block was very strictly run…
Shut out by nutter manager
QUESTION: I rent an apartment and car space. I once wrongly parked in common property and was warned by the building manager, who was very angry. I moved and apologised.…
The definitive ‘who owns what’
One of the recurring issues on Flat Chat is who is responsible for what in a strata building – brought to a boil recently when I mentioned that downlights in…
Safety nets on strata balconies
It's a brave Flatchatter who puts aesthetics before children's lives so I'm keeping right out of this discussion about safety nets for balconies. QUESTION: My company imports and installs internationally…
I want to break free from break fees
QUESTION: My landlord wants me to sign a lease including a break fee of up to six weeks rent. There is a high demand where I live and I can’t…
Tricky leak excuses don’t wash
Sometimes in strata you have to fight dirty just to get things done, like in a building where two apartments’ bathrooms leak water into the rest of the block. The…