Live and let live
It’s not often that you would claim words of true wisdom are coming out of Canberra but, hey, even a broken clock is right twice a day. Actually, that’s not…
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.
Time of the signs
Country people are smart – not only do they read this column, they get two questions for the price of one. QUESTIONS: What are the rules regarding agents “For Sale”…
Petty Grievances
Pet owners often complain about rules imposed by strangers in a large block. But what if there’s only one other apartment and they’re putting up “no dogs” signs before you…
Just fine by me
One of the frustrations in dealing with badly behaved neighbours is that after all hassles of pursuing them through Fair Trading and the Consumer, Trader and Tenancy Tribunal, any fines…
Hung out to dry
Fair Trading Minister Virginia Judge and the Premier Nathan Rees are concerned about money wasted on legal fees when we want to change by-laws. According a circular issued by Fair…
Disaster moves
We’ve had dust storms, firestorms and good old-fashioned floods in Australia recently. The plagues of frogs and locusts must be just around the corner. More significantly for apartment owners we’ve…
Ceiling the deal
One strata resident’s ceiling is another unit-dweller’s floor but when it comes to changing things, exactly who owns what? QUESTION: I own a unit in a block of flats where…
Whose home is it?
Another gaping hole in strata law has been brought to my attention this week – and it shows how the right to make decisions about your own home can be…
Question of choice
If there’s one aspect of Company Title apartment living that strata owners secretly long for it’s the ability to choose your neighbours (which would almost but not quite make up…
Tell it like it is
I have a friend who can’t buy anything without spending days on the internet, researching what’s the best, newest, trendiest version of what he wants. I know plenty of others…
Silent screams
Late night noise can be frustrating and debilitating and if you’re the only one who’s being kept awake by selfish neighbours, or others don’t realise that they don’t have to…
Short-term thinking
I heard the other day that I am running a campaign against short-term rentals. Well, I wasn’t but, hey, now that you mention it, it seems like a good idea.…