1. What is considered a reasonable increase in fees?
The real question is, what is a reasonable increase in spending, which is what determines the levies. If the OC is suddenly having to come up with money for neglected maintenance, for instance, that would be a valid reason for an increase that might seem unreasonable if you have budgetted for less. Excessive amounts being paid to lawyers to pursue pointless cases at the tribunal would not be reasonable – but would still be enforceable. Increasing by the level of CPI is a good guide but there are so many moving parts in strata it would be hard to pin it down to that.
If there is an increase in excess of the CPI, your strata treasurer or strata manager should explain it in the notes accompanying the AGM agenda.