[phlebe]

I would have thought strata managers would have notified us about this rather than having to rely on this forum.

 

I also think that letting your strata manager know that you subscribe to this column might keep them on their toes!

[phlebe]

Excellent idea I certainly hope they adopt this and other things…

[phlebe]

Since had email from SM apologising – that claiming not commissions was IT error – I'll give them benefit of the doubt this time 

[phlebe]

We used Tyrrells to do risk assessment. They are very good and helpful. I have used them several times in the past for sinking fund inspections and defects in  individual units. I'm giving them a big plug if allowed.

[phlebe]

At our last AGM the agenda stated that SM received no commissions. Now we have received insurance quotes and noticed that SM's commission $800+ just for insurance. I have requested that all commissions be disclosed as I understand it is illegal not to do so.

Also recently had risk assessment inspection done following article in this forum. SM tried to talk me out of this, wanting EC merely to fill in a check list assuring me that this would cover us 100%. I assume she is getting commission on this as it is bad advice.

I would be interested in other experiences from flatchatters (apart from change your SM) – which is also on the agenda.

[phlebe]

Is it legal to fine people like this if no by-law and not in legislation?

[phlebe]

I wish ditching strata manager was that easy. I have lived in a unit in the past where we ditched the manager and ran it ourselves but it was much smaller than current block.

Also, hard to find a good manager, all most people care about is paying lower levies and are totally disinterested in anything in the building that doesn't affect them personally.

Thanks anyway for your advice.

[phlebe]

My gripe about this really is that it is misleading advertising to quote a low management fee then charge another $3000-4000 in “disbursements” which are not itemised. The strata manager says all email have to be printed to allow for searches by non-computer.

Thank you to flat chat (mate) for advice re OFT etc which I use frequently.

Usually I go straight to the legislation at austlii and CTT cases, which are the best source but there are so many holes in the legislation at the moment…

This might help others who want it from the horse's mouth – the legislation and regulations and CTT cases

https://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/nsw/consol_act/ssma1996242/

https://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/nsw/consol_reg/ssmr2010333/

https://www.austlii.edu.au/au/cases/nsw/NSWCTTT/

and thanks all for your replies.

[Author]

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