#26136
braveheart
Flatchatter

    Happy New Year and thanks for the opportunity to comment.

    Yes, I agree with proudsceptic and Jimmy that the mechanism exists already to register a special by-law to prevent short-term letting. In our block we have had such a by-law in place for a number of years. It has so far protected the right of the majority to enjoy their homes undisturbed by commercial activities that are not in keeping with our residential zoning. However, recent attempts by the NSW state government to advocate change by force on behalf of the greedy can be met with equal determination within the current laws.

    There is a simple, democratic solution to this problem that is covered by the existing strata legislation. As noted, owners who want short-term letting in a block can propose a Motion to call a General Meeting where all residents can vote to adopt a by-law that permits short-term letting. However, I would suggest, however, that a yes vote in this instance ought to require 100% agreement. If the vote is yes, the Strata Plan can then be registered as short-term compatible and advertised as such in any future sale or lease. Prospective purchasers and renters will know up-front which buildings permit short-term rentals and which ones do not. The 100% agreement protects owners who bought into a block according to its residential zoning. The requirement for a 100% vote will quickly show just how much demand there really is for holiday lettings in a strata building. Those who want to enforce significant social changes of this nature ought to be required to prove there is agreement for change by unanimous vote. Either the whole block permits it or the block remains free of it. Buildings that do not allow it will attract buyers who don’t want to live with short-term rental disruption. And vice-versa. State government infringements (i.e. not the wet lettuce Fair Trading ‘penalties’) should apply to transgressors.

    A win-win scenario, no ifs, buts, or maybes, and an end to all the confusion and emotive BS around the issue.