There is free money – but choose wisely
They say you should never look a gift horse in the mouth … but if there’s any chance it might come back and bite you, you should at least count…
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.
Selling misery by the square metre
One of the worst feelings in apartments (after the one when your home dips into negative equity) is when you hear drilling, sawing and hammering in the apartment above you…
Defenceless: Integrity for sale in strata
Imagine if you owned a football club and your opponent insisted on choosing the coach (although you would still have to pay their wages). Then they also provide the referee,…
Can we ban kids?
There are those who say apartment blocks, like actors, should never have to deal with children and animals. The latter is a perennial topic in this column, but kids? Who…
Holiday Hell – Short tempers over short-termers
It’s summer time when families and fun-seekers from Picket Fence Land descend on our seaside and inner city apartment blocks and expect us to tolerate antisocial behavior in often illegal…
Strata Stress in Victoria
This article appeared in the MELBOURNE AGE in October 2008. By Jimmy Thomson Apartment buildings in Melbourne and across Victoria may be heading for financial meltdown as unit owners face…
Another ‘training wheels’ minister steps in
The revolving door of the Fair Trading office has had another spin with the installation of Virginia Judge as our new minister in charge of dodgy mechanics, dangerous toys, internet…
Balcony barneys
One of the best aspects of modern apartment blocks are the balconies: your own slice of fresh air, peace and quiet … until your neighbours behave like you didn’t exist.…
Trouble with parking rubble
There are still a lot of people in strata land who still don’t get it – and by “it” I mean the idea that you have to moderate your behaviour…
A few facts for first-timers
With apartments still being the first choice for most first-time home buyers, here are a few tips that will help you avoid some of the potholes in the road to…
Forget the animals – screen the humans
Nothing raises the hackles of apartment residents like the vexed question of whether pets should be allowed in apartments … especially when the pet owner is a tenant. It’s clear…
Nutters and know-alls
One of the good things about serving on the executive committee of a strata building – apart from the tea and Tim Tams (or Pinot and Brie) – is the…