It takes all sorts: 20 years of strata squabbles
For the past few weeks, we have been running pieces by our friend Francesco Andreone of GoStrata. Last week I returned the favour by providing him with my recollections of…
proxies
Forum: Mending fences creates division – twice
We have never been known for sitting on the fence here at Flatchat but we have two fence issues in the Forum this week. In one, the builder of a…
Forum: Stripping away sneaky voting powers
One of the small but significant changes proposed in the strata laws currently making their way through the NSW parliament will be that powers of attorney votes (POA) will be…
Is compulsory voting the answer to strata apathy?
With allegations of ‘blind” voting exacerbated by language barriers at one blighted block in Melbourne, there have been calls for strata information and forms to be printed in the native…
Aurora shambles exposes deep flaws in Vic strata
An owners’ revolt at a 1000-unit apartment building in Melbourne has highlighted the crippling inadequacies of Victoria’s strata laws and tribunal system. And it illustrates how a built-in lack of…
When a family plan is a bit too cosy for comfort
In a week where we are shining the spotlight on flaws in Victorian strata (here, here and here) and addressing the challenges owners face in Queensland, it’s only fair that…
Forum: When a bully takes over a small block
There’s an easy and often erroneous assumption that’s often made – that living in a small block is more pleasant than life in a large one. Of course, for some…
Forum: Greatest visitor parking swindle ever
This week’s lead story isn’t really from the Forum but it’s definitely one for the Forum. It’s all about how an opportunist with an eye for a cash grab can…
From the Forum: Zombie proxies and dead levies
Here’s a question that becomes more relevant as increasing numbers of oldies move into strata … and then pass on. Obviously, the petty politics of strata schemes are the last…
Changes bring us a baby-step closer to uniform strata laws
Changes to strata laws are on the way or being considered all over Australia and the first cab off that rank will be modifications to NSW conveyancing laws due to…
Forum faves: Cat lovers persecuted by dog owner – and the psycho next door
Aaah, the wonderful world of strata. I found some old Flat Chat columns on my computer today, going back almost 12 years , and guess what? We are still talking…