Defective law dumped
Pardon me while I do a small lap of honour round my office. Following a couple of calls from yours truly, the NSW Office of Fair Trading has promised to…
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.
Power Games
Some are born to greatness, some have greatness thrust upon them … and some become chairman of their Owner’s Corporation. QUESTION: Can you direct me to a source of accessible…
Young and selfish
We groaned last week when we saw the furphy repeated, yet again, that there is a state law to stop people drying their laundry on their balconies. In fact, there…
No worries, mate
HERE’S ANOTHER GOOD NEWS STORY FROM FEBRUARY 2009 Obviously, I think living in apartments is great – otherwise I wouldn’t have lived in one for the past 20 years. But…
Lost in (parking) spaces
Just when we think we’ve covered every possible angle on the vexed issue of parking, along comes another twist in the battle with residents who have more cars than they…
Trampled underfoot by fitness freak
There’s nothing wrong with staying fit; even if your apartment block doesn’t have a gym there’s plenty of home gym equipment you can buy reasonably cheaply. But while you’re doing…
Future looks good … if you can see
Welcome back. This is the first Flat Chat of 2009 and I’d like to buck the doom and gloom and say that this year is going to be GREAT. There…
Pre-2104 columns
These are the raw versions of my Flat Chat columns written for the Sydney Morning Herald’s ‘Domain’ section. Some of the issues are specific to New South Wales, some are…
Is there a sanity clause for Christmas noise?
With Christmas just around the corner, and parties coming along in threes and fours like rush-hour buses, this is when we discover just how much give and take there really…
Are lawyers the worst neighbours?
Several years ago an American developer set out to build a gated community that was open to all ages, religions, races and professions … except lawyers. He argued that lawyers…
When repairs break the bank
The principle of “don’t fix it if it ain’t broke” is the least of the problems in strata complexes. One reader lives in a complex of 20 townhouses where it…
Strata shortcut … or short change
When it comes to irreconcilable differences, strata battles can make the irresistible force meeting the immovable object look like an episode of Dancing With The Stars. But recently the Government…