@Whale said:
I know that Jimmy T keeps stating that a NTC is a warning and/or advisory note, and he’s absolutely correct, but as kiwipaul observed (post #4) and I’ve experienced (yes another one) the CTTT does give an O/C brownie-points if it uses a prior means to advise residents and others that they’re in breach.
I don’t disagree, but I reckon you are just as likely to get one of these nitpicking paper-shufflers at the CTTT who only takes into account information that’s provided on the correct forms as stipulated by the Act.
Q: How many strata tribunals are heard in NSW, on average each week. (answer at bottom of post)
Over the years I’ve had so many versions of the “how many warnings do we have to issue before we can fine people” question I occasionally like to remind everyone what an NTC is not a fine, not a summons and definitely not the be-all and end-all.
I also think that too often in strata we’re looking for a magic bullet, one-size-fits-all solution when each strata scheme needs to devise its own protocols. As Whale discovered, the risks of creating a parking vigilante by allowing people to post semi-official notes are great. However, the basic idea of these notes is sound because it works in that scheme.
I have lived in strata schemes where the “polite reminder” was regarded as a free pass: “parked illegally again … got away with it … result!”
I think each scheme should devise a system that works, then stick to it. If a polit warning does the trick, it’s a better solution for community harmony than the heavier-handed Notice To Comply.
Definitely don’t issue NTCs if you’re not going to follow through, but that applies to polite warnings too. Don’t have your carpark looking like an explosion at a printworks and do tell owners when things are getting out of hand and you are about to impose order where chaos has reigned.
A: 3 – it’s a seriously under-utilised option, according to our Fair Trading Minister