This is not really the Forum but I was on afternoons with James Valentine on the ABC on Tuesday (except it was with the charming James O’Loghlin, as JV was off).
I love working with James V, of course, but it’s always a pleasure encountering a stand-in because they are invariably surprised by how many calls we get about strata.
Also, I have to say that James O was taken aback by the definitive nature of my response to one question.
The caller was looking at buying into a six-unit block where three of apartments were owned by one person. Her friends had advised her not to buy in as she would always be outvoted in any dispute. What did I think?
My advice was run away and don’t turn back. Look, I can see where there’s a chance that the building is owned by a big happy family into the bosom of which you will be drawn, as if you were one of their own.
It might even be a benign dictatorship where the owner has a sense of community and empathy that’s even bigger than their voting power.
Or, worst case scenario, it could be an oligarchy where your priorities and opinions aren’t even considered, you’re bullied and harrassed, you daren’t complain and you can’t sell becasue who would buy into a dictatorship?
At the very least, even without the horror situation above, you will lose every vote, especially when it comes to spending (or not spending) money on repairs and maintenance.
James O was shocked by my apparent misanthropy and negativity but I could not see any realistic positives and a huge stack of negatives for the potential purchaser.
Was I right or wrong? You can listen to the segment HERE (fast forward to 1hr 35m). And you can put your 10 cents worth in the Forum HERE, especially if you think I was wrong.
Elsewhere in the Forum
- What do I do about invoices that seem to reveal that secretary has been rorting funds? That’s HERE.
- What happens if taking moderate fire safety improvements leads to a demand for a major upgrade? That’s HERE.
- What do Points of claim mean in my NCAT action? That’s HERE.
- UPDATE: Why strata managers can’t legally refuse to let committee members see the strata roll for free. That’s HERE.
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› Flat Chat Strata Forum › Current Page
Forum: Avoiding a strata dictatorship, invoices seem to show committee rort, fire safety overcaution danger, and your right to see the strata roll.
[See the full post at: Forum: Why buy into a strata dictatorship?]
The opinions offered in these Forum posts and replies are not intended to be taken as legal advice. Readers with serious issues should consult experienced strata lawyers.
› Flat Chat Strata Forum › Current Page
› Flat Chat Strata Forum › Current Page