Tribunal rescinds pre-sold management contract
For the first time in NSW state history, a tribunal has rescinded a strata building management contract, pre-sold by the developer, finding it to be harsh, oppressive and unconscionable, writes…
Podcast: When your fabulous view disappears
We’ve plundered the Flat Chat Forum for talking points this week, but first we discuss an issue that’s come to Sue from one of her Domain readers. Did you know…
Are Baby Boomers really the new strata baddies?
Who do you think the fastest growing group of strata troublemakers is? Pet owners or pet haters? Airbnb hosts or tenants and owners with by-law blindness? According to some highly…
Burning questions about fire inspections answered
Recently, there have been a number of questions about fire safety inspections and measures on the Flat Chat Forum. Last week, one of our Flatchatters, an accredited Fire Safety Practitioner,…
Forum: Threatened with fine over late-night chats
We’re not judging here but sometimes a question reveals as much about the questioner as it does about the subject. This week one Flatchatter has asked how she can be…
Podcast: Causing strata strife is not okay, Boomers
Entitled, arrogant, ignorant and occasionally abusive – those are some of the accusations that have been levelled at the latest band of baddies to emerge in strata: downsizing Baby Boomers.…
Mascot Tower residents’ assistance to end in June
The NSW Government has agreed to extend the rental assistance package to Mascot Towers resident owners up to the end of June this year. Residents were forced to abandon their…
How to turn your scheme into a community
Strata schemes bring together all sorts of different people, whether they’re from a range of ages, social and economic backgrounds or ethnic roots. This could be a recipe for conflict…
Pitfalls and perils at a new block’s initial AGM
The initial AGM of a new building is an exciting, confusing and challenging event, especially for first-time owners. But the more things you get right there, the easier life will…
Forum: Owner uses pool despite having moved out
There are times when what’s right and what’s legal seem to be in direct conflict – and strata is one of those areas of life replete with these tricky, quirky…
Greens demand airbnbs to house flood victims
NSW Greens are calling on the state government to drag airbnb-style holiday rental properties back into the residential tenancies market to ease a severe housing crisis caused by the catastrophic…
Podcast: Flood fears and by-laws to loathe and love
One of the problems with preparing a fairly light-hearted podcast like the Flat Chat Wrap is that there are a lot of serious issues around that you just can’t ignore…