[GailD]

I’m sorry if I implied that strata managers control strata fees, I do actually know this is not the case.
I also attend meetings.
Thank you for your reply

[GailD]

Just a quick outcome followup

I went to the AGM and after hearing the allocation of extra dollars I was satisfied with the increase. There was a discussion regarding the garden increase but everyone agreed to decrease this by $5000 and although that’s not a huge decrease it showed that it’s a democracy and everything was open for discussion, the only other big increase was insurance and I think all insurance costs have increased.
I only moved in December and from what I see there is a little bit of stuck in the past with a lot of owners. I don’t think the fees have kept up with inflation and this had to happen.
All in all I am happy with the outcome.

[GailD]

I do actually think that’s what has happened, I think the report they received has found a few problems that will need attention and it seems to forward forecast 15 years.
I can manage the increase but I know I have neighbours that pretty much live fortnight to fortnight and this has to be hard for them.
My intention is to question the increase in gardening fees and if it’s justified I will be ok with it.
I’m trying to read and learn as much as I can about strata living because I do like living in this block of townhouses.
thank you for your reply, I’m grateful for the help.

[GailD]

The strata managers have answered my email, they have engaged a property consultant to look at future expenses for the upkeep of the property over the next 15 years and that’s part of the increase. I will carefully review that before the AGM.

The second part of the increase is maintain gardens, there really is very little gardens to maintain and they have increased the budget from $11k to 25k… I don’t think this is needed.
The third increase is an additional allowance for the insurance premium to be paid, this is another one that I will look at.
Thanks again for the help.

[GailD]

Ok so the strata managers have answered my email.
When I purchased my property in December last year they tried to push a blanket ban on all animals except goldfish, so I wrote a huge email that included research to show that keeping pets is beneficial to their desired owners (over 55) I also included parts of the Coopers pet case that was ruled in favour of the Coopers. Then I attached the NSW government law that states they cannot blanket ban animals.
They have decided to move into 2024 and that permission is not needed now to have a pet, they only ask that the strata managers and the committee be notified within 14 days of moving in.
The strata managers want the solicitors to put this in place of the current bylaw.
I’m happy with that.

[GailD]

They have that bylaw in place now, and I’m fine with the conditions. The conditions are that I clean up after the dog on common property and that the animal be vaccinated and registered.
I actually know it’s not some residents preference but also that is not my problem.

I’m not sure how that achieved the over 55 status but it’s there.

I will wait until the email is answered and then see if I think it’s worth a yes/no vote.

[GailD]

Thank you for the reply, I was wondering about the if the payment was unnecessary.
I think there maybe a few things happening here, the units are predominantly over 55, it’s not an over 55 village it’s just a condition of sale and if the units are to be leased they must be over 55, the committee seems to dislike having pets of any kind and maybe this is an attempt to discourage.
I am hoping that my email gets an answer if not I will ask at the AGM.
thanks again

[GailD]

I have read the report over and over and yes the gardening budget is one area that has increased, its more then doubled. Insurance has increased slightly but nothing over the top.
I have emailed the strata managers for clarification on why there is a huge increase.
Hopefully they may shed some light on this.

[GailD]

Thank you, I will do that.

[GailD]

Thanks for the instructions regarding states and quotes

I have just read the notice and there is no mention of what the bylaw is going to say or achieve. Is it acceptable for me to contact the strata manager regarding what they are hoping to have in place?
Thanks for the reply, there is so much to learn

[GailD]

Thank you for your reply, that I can see the only large increase is the budget for gardens has doubled.
There is no mention of any solicitor fees for cases.

I just can’t see anything that would justify the increase.

There is no big maintenance issues being forecast.

Its roughly a 40% increase in the yearly fee.

thanks again for the reply, I will continue reading and learning

[Author]

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