Country people are smart – not only do they read this column, they get two questions for the price of one.
QUESTIONS: What are the rules regarding agents “For Sale” signs on Strata Title property? Our block has three different agents signs near the entrance to the building. They are ugly and untidy.
Is there a limit to the time that a sign can be on the property and does the agent have to get permission from the Executive Committee or the Strata Agent to erect the sign in the first place? I am not against signs and will probably want one if I ever sell, but it’s the size, where they are and how long they’re up that I am unhappy about.
Also, do we legally have to have an Executive Committee and if so, what happens if no one wants to be on it? – DB, Port Macquarie.
ANSWERS: If these signs are on common property, which is your property, the estate agents certainly do need owners corporation’s approval. To limit size and display periods, you and your neighbours just need to agree on your own set of rules, no by-law required. If the estate agents don’t like it – and they won’t – they can put the signs elsewhere.
If the signs are going to be on individual lots (unlikely, given that external walls and balconies are usually common property) you may need a by-law relating to signage but have a look, you may already have one.
On the question of Executive Committees, the law says yes you must have one but then explains what to do if you don’t. The simple tried and tested answer is to have two or three people at your next AGM agree to be on the committee and then appoint your strata manager as Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer to do all the work (for a fee).
You can always check with your neighbours if there are any problems and pass them on for action. And once a year the strata manager has to hold an AGM where you can catch up with what’s been done and what hasn’t. Small strata all over the state are happily and efficiently doing this already.