‘Ello, ‘ello, ‘ello
Because of the level of security and restricted access they often provide, modern apartment blocks are perfect lairs for drug dealers and other criminals. One recent correspondent asked what a…
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.
Defective laws under review
Sydney MP and Lord Mayor Clover Moore’s ambitious but much-needed effort to reform strata law was launched at a well-attended meeting in Parliament House last week. And first impression are…
Go the clamp
Good news on rogue parking. I’ve been talking to various people recently about this bugbear of strata living and it seems there is a simple solution, at least when it…
Blazing mad
With that fatal apartment block fire in London recently, a dramatic unit rescue in Newtown last weekend (subs: July 19) and the gas explosion in Bondi Junction back in March,…
Divisive actions
Life can be tough for students, especially when it comes to finding affordable accommodation near their universities and colleges. However, they eventually move on. But what about the families left…
Change management
In the various battles and skirmishes of strata living, Strata Managers are often on the front line – that’s why it’s so frustrating when yours go AWOL. QUESTION: I’ve become…
Niche work if you can get it
It’s not often I get the chance to praise developers but I’m happy to take my hat off to Nectar Efkarpidis who reckons it’s time to rethink our one-style-fits–all approach…
The light fantastic
A little light relief this week – at least that’s what one owner is hoping for when it comes to the question of switches. QUESTION: I’m a member of a strata Executive…
Water on the brain
Sleep deprivation and water torture sound like they’re straight out of the Guantanamo Bay handbook. But it’s no joke if you are the victim and your neighbours are allowing it…
No free lunch in an unapproved kitchen
Nowhere is the phrase caveat emptor – buyer beware – more relevant than in purchasing strata units. And if you and your solicitor or conveyancer don’t do your homework you…
How high-rise living keeps you safe
TO START THE ‘WHY I LOVE APARTMENTS’ BALL ROLLING, HERE’S AN OLD COLUMN FROM JUNE 2009 Did you read Herald columnist Elizabeth Farrelly’s piece the other week on how her…
Contracts or Con Tricks
There’s a minefield for new owners in Strataland that no one will warn you about – and the powers that be will do little or nothing to help you when…