[BONNIE L]

Could it be something like a plumbing problem?  Or have you thought of asking Sydney Water about leakage in the street outside?  Have you looked outside to see for yourself where the drainage holes are in the street, are they clear and clean after a storm, or do they overflow and the Council needs to clear them? Are tgeir connections to your building in sound working order?  They may suggest the building’s plumber could check the water pipes in your building for leakages. However, they have a responsibility too, to ensure sound water flows.  Could you ask other owners if they have plumbing problems or the like?  Plus what their take on the bill is.   Definitely complain if you find that it’s certainly an anomaly.

[BONNIE L]

As already said, it matters about the level of decision, and, in the previous NSW executive committee strata guidelines, how much the committee decides to spend on a said task. There was a limit of around $10,000 if I have that straight. Over that amount, discussion/decision had to go to all the owners. 

[BONNIE L]

Hi Jimmy, Can I please say congratulations, and best of luck on your move.

Thanks too again for all the news and responses. Most
enlightening for a newbie.

[BONNIE L]

Hi, Can I please ask if new EC is now called strata committee?  Also, if it’s same as EC in terms of other owners attending if they’ve received due notice, and commenting if politely enquire in advance?  

[BONNIE L]

Are the devices necessary at all when no children live in the building? Looks like it if the announcements have it right?

[BONNIE L]

 Hi all, Thanks for the feedback previously, and any tips appreciated. I’ve looked at NCAT site and find no answer.  Are mere owners able to present evidence at a Tribunal hearing under the new rules, or attend it?

And at a Strata Committee meeting called to discuss the hearing, or attend it like at our last EC’s did?   

A committee member has called our BC to the Tribunal; think because the last general meeting was a bit confusing on issues resolved, or not resolved immediately.  This applicant is known as overbearing in attempts to influence unnecessarily large spends, which wer’e facing any time soon, on other works.

A few of us have sound arguments, and evidence aimed at maintaining a level playing field, a recent Fair Trading mediation ruling similarly.  Since the mediation, all the owners have pretty solid written and specialist evidence from the strata.    Again thanks.

[BONNIE L]

Interesting, thank you.   However, does this mean the firm offering cover for live-in owners, or maybe I haven’t read it all properly.

Also, would the firm’s offerings of cover for both buildings and landlords perhaps present conflict of interests in the future if things got complicated in one strata investor-owner situation or another.  

If I’ve got this ‘right’, fine if the  move gives the firm more influence in strata community generally, assisting strata buildings as well as investor ranks, however, not at the expense of propriety or undue influence.

[BONNIE L]

Great question. I just got a somewhat hefty water bill. As a newish owner, is that anything to do with household usage? Don’t think so. Or is there a government change of some sort?  How do I check about the metres, everything seems to be locked up. Thanks very much in advance if you have a tip, Lady P.

[BONNIE L]

Think the question needs to be clearer. A ‘strata plan’ I haven’t heard of, unless the building plan is what is meant.  I may be wrong.  Also, why are ‘quality’, or is it quantity surveyors, wanted.  Is it a valuation for the strata property what is meant ?  

I understand, may be wrong, that the guidelines for a 10 year capital works plan guideline can be found in the strata community generally, at no or at minimal cost.

[BONNIE L]

Think it’s right the said matters be discussed at a general meeting, or at least a documented one.   Under the old rules, think it was a proposed outlay of more than a certain sum that had to go to a formal meeting. Others may have an update on that guideline. 

[BONNIE L]

Thanks very much for that; a learning curve is this strata business. Shall watch this space!

[BONNIE L]

Interesting, as a basement door lock in the building I am in was busted and the door frame damaged – perpetrator unknown. The building has lots of tenants, and OC has paid up, for security reasons, no doubt,  Notices go up on other matters, and whether I should recommend notices on this, am wondering. Already the by-laws on common property damage are displayed. Thanks everyone.

[BONNIE L]

Hi, If have read the above ‘right’, and if have this right, can I also please add that I read something through the week about the issue being taken seriously.   Maybe others also saw this reported in the papers? 

[BONNIE L]

Interesting having to prove the building or strata managers not having done their job properly. Wonder if that meant stewardship over a number of years?  

On such a basis, and provided I had proof, I would be keen to know if anyone has been through the mediation/tribunal process under the new rules so far?

[BONNIE L]

In my experience, only the lot owner is entitled to vote.  If the un-entitled dominates, chair could clearly and firmly point out the entitlement factor. As chair, you’re in a box seat to move on with the agenda items.  Unless of course the un-entitled has, in your opinion, something constructive for the building in view.  After all, the discussion around a strata table is supposed to be reasonable. Good luck!

[Author]

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