Walls come down
Everybody wants to renovate eventually, but when someone on the ground floor of an apartment block starts knocking out walls, they shouldn’t be surprised if more than the ceiling comes…
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.
Painted into a corner
QUESTION: A while ago my landlord wanted to paint my flat and we agreed that I would do the job if he bought the paint and let me off with…
Physical jerks
It may seem like common sense and even an act of kindness, but when you start putting things where they’re not wanted in your building, you could be asking for…
Wee problem
QUESTION: I’m currently settling into my new apartment but while I’m in bed at night I can hear my upstairs neighbour using and flushing her toilet. I’ve even been woken…
Renters: Too good
QUESTION: My problem isn’t that my flatmate is bad … she’s too good. She went through a tough time recently but she was helped by a church group and now…
Renters: My stuff sold off
QUESTION: My girlfriend and I split up pretty badly and I just moved out and went overseas for a few months. When I got back recently, I discovered my ex…
No control
Many strata owners complain that their neighbours have too much control over their lives … then you get someone who feels there’s way too little. QUESTION: My owners corporation is…
Falling down on safety
Are there really 8000 unstable balconies in Australia? Could there be even more? After a wooden balcony packed with young people gave way during a party at a house in…
Renters: Losing your home
Renting a home can be cheaper and offer you more freedom than owning … but it comes at a cost. QUESTION: How can I fight a 60 days notice of…
RENTERS – Insurance
Just because you rent your home doesn’t mean you don’t own nice things that are valuable and difficult to replace. But what happens when something goes wrong? QUESTION: Please settle…
Contract con trick
A professional strata titles surveyor wrote to me last week saying he was checking a sales contract from a well-known developer when he noticed a clause that has a strong…
Renters – In a squeeze
We spoke a couple of weeks ago about proposed new tenancy laws that among other things, may allow sub-lets without owners’ approval* . One critic, manager of a major apartment…