Podcast: NCAT still crazy after all these years
This week we look at why so many strata disputes are getting stuck between NSW Fair Trading’s mediators and NCAT’s tribunal adjudicators – maybe it’s because they don’t talk to…
Sacked SM given total power over new scheme
COMMENT: With the announcement of the appointment of Rentals Commissioner Trina Jones, we await the anointing of the proposed new Strata Commissioner, whoever that might be. And the recipient of…
Developers dump gas stovetops for induction
High profile apartment developers pledge to drop gas stoves from new apartments in favour of electrical induction cooktops.
Strata law website from a top strata lawyer
It’s all very well to look up strata laws and regulations on the internet, but what do they all mean? What are the changes in the laws and how are…
Rental commish has pet bans, evictions in sights
Nothing succeeds like success and if the newly minted rentals commissioner is anything like as productive as Building Commissioner David Chandler, then the whole rentals scene in the state can…
Forum: Smoke signals and mixed messages
It’s amazing when you think how much we used to tolerate smoking, as if it were a God-given right. But these days you are increasing likely to find that not…
Unit starts soar while house building slumps
Apartment building is booming with higher-density building starts up by almost 45 per cent in the first quarter of this year, at the same time as free-standing home builds are…
Free webinar to focus on strata security
Security is one benefit of apartment living that’s frequently cited as a major attraction. But while high-tech security systems can add value to your property, they can also be costly…
Podcast: Toplace crash leaves Vicinity in limbo
There’s only one story in strata this week – Toplace, the developer of the benighted Vicinity building, went into receivership, leaving owners with an estimated bill of between $50m and…
Up to five more Mascots facing possible disaster
There could be as many as five apartment blocks in NSW teetering on the brink of forced evacuation – as befell the Mascot and Opal Towers four years ago –…
Forum: Strata split built into small block
It’s school holiday time so most of our readers have headed off for a vacation, leaving their strata woes behind them. Either that or they can’t get to their computers…
Podcast: Is Airbnb the solution, not the problem?
Whether you love or loathe Airbnb, you have to admit its founder, Brian Chesky, is a pretty smart guy. Anyone who can parlay an idea to rent an airbed in…