Is a by-law required when an OC resolves to add improvements to common property?

By admin,

If our NSW strata resolves at a general meeting by special resolution of the owners corporation to make an addition to common property, is there any need to create a specific by-law concerning each proposed addition before actioning?

As new treasurer in a mixed-use building, how do I access historical BMG records and understand the charges?

By admin,

I have recently become our body corporate committee treasurer. We have overlapping lots and deal with a building management group (BMG). I have requested a backlog of the BMG minutes because we are paying $27,000+ annually for items, and I cannot see why. The strata manager, caretaker and past treasurer don’t have the historical BMG minutes or budget, and the prior BMG chair has not been forthcoming. How can I access this information and find out what the charges are for?

What happens when the financial figures presented by the strata manager at the AGM do not balance?

By admin,

At our AGM, the Statement of Financial Position (Balance sheet) did not balance. The Chairperson stated there was no requirement in the STA for it to be adopted and tabled. Sect 101 says the Strata Company must keep proper records. What happens when figures presented by the Strata Manager do not balance/reconcile?

Is a special resolution required to change the external paint colour of a strata building?

By admin,

Can you clarify "like for like" concerning external paint colour choices? We want to repaint the outside of our building. We only have three of the five lot owners who agree with the project. We have already unsuccessfully conducted a GM.

Considering "like for like", could we paint the dark brown doors white to match other aspects of the building, such as the balustrades and screen doors? Part of the downstairs footpath is yellow and the other section is red. Could we paint the whole path red?

Must all owners contribute equally to balcony extensions that only benefits some lots?

By admin,

There are nine units in our block. The owners corporation wants to extend the building's balconies, positively impacting seven units. However, the balconies will block sunlight and views for the two ground-floor lots. The owners corporation plan on proceeding, with all owners sharing the cost equally.

Should a strata manager have refused a committee instruction to carry out additional services not in their contract?

By admin,

Division of Common-area work and exclusive-use area work

Our committee instructed the strata manager to include exclusive use area work with work in the common area and sent a “miscellaneous invoice” to all owners when the work was not requested or needed by every owner.

How can a body corporate pursue outstanding levies from an overseas owner?

By admin,

We have a lot owner, believed to reside in China, who is significantly behind on their levies by over $100,000. Despite our efforts to serve court-ordered documents for payment, we've been unsuccessful in China as no one acknowledges ownership.

What minimum communication standard can an owner expect from a strata manager when reporting maintenance issues?

By admin,

What is the expectation of return communication from a Strata Manager when reporting common property issues such as a remote electronic gate not working properly? I sometimes don't even get an acknowledgment of receipt of the email and often do not receive any indication of who they are contacting and when they expect someone onsite. This had led to major delays, as the strata manager has not let the owner know that the contractor they contacted has not been able to turn up.

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