Getting towey over parking
There’s nothing quite like a parking issue to get flatters chatting and a question a couple of weeks ago got a pretty hot and heavy response in the Online Herald.…
Featured
Anarchy rules with ‘optional’ by-laws
Anybody who’s lived in strata for any length of time with have come across control-freak executive committee members who seem to have swallowed the strata Act for breakfast, washed down…
Laundry policy won’t wash
QUESTION: My unit block has a policy of not allowing laundry on the communal line overnight. Recently two jumpers left overnight by a tenant were bagged with a note saying,…
Builders crack in parking by-law
QUESTION: I rent in a unit block that’s about to undergo major work and the executive committee have put up signs telling us the builders need 24-hour access and any…
The sound of silence
Freedom of speech is a right we pretty much take for granted – but does it even exist in strata? QUESTION: The strata Act seems to be silent on speaking…
Rejected and dejected
QUESTION: I’m originally from the UK and my partner is Aussie. We are in good jobs and can easily afford the rent but whenever we apply for a property it…
Can’t pay, won’t pay
We’ve had a couple of questions about unpaid levies and what you can do about them. “Is there anyone in the real world who thinks a large strata plan with…
When things are bad … but not bad enough
There have been a few postings to the Flat Chat Forum recently about how to change things when your executive committee seems to operate only for the benefit of a…
Turn up heat over stove
QUESTION: In January this year my two student children rented a two-bedroom unit in Coogee, offering $20 a week over the asking price ($550) to secure the rental. The managing…
Air-con units are uncool
QUESTION: Some time in the past, two previous owners in our 1960s block installed those ugly window mounted air conditioning units. The strata records shows no mention of the units,…
Dog driving me barking mad
QUESTION: My neighbour leaves his dog outside on their terrace all the time and it barks constantly. I’ve spoken to the strata manager, the executive committee and the neighbour, but…
Planter plight
QUESTION: My new rented apartment has planter boxes right up against the balcony balustrade and the other day I found my four-year-old climbing up to look over the side. After…