• Read more about What can strata owners do if they are concerned about AGM voting and minutes?
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Our strata company of 27 units recently held its AGM, with only three owners present, including one council member. The strata manager chaired the meeting but didn’t clarify who else was involved. The next day, I received the minutes showing ten votes — three from those present (including one proxy), three electronic votes, and three proxies held by the strata manager for the owner of three units. A few days later, when I rechecked the minutes, all the proxy votes had been removed, leaving only six votes recorded. I’m not comfortable with how the strata manager handled this meeting.

• Read more about What can owners do if the strata manager fails to act on AGM resolutions?
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Our strata manager has not followed up on AGM resolutions or subsequent owner requests. This resulted in problems such as termite infestations and stalled renovation approvals because new by-laws were not consolidated and registered on time. What recourse do we have when the strata manager fails to carry out these responsibilities?

• Read more about How managers can assess a strata company’s ethical culture during the interview
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I'm a strata manager in NSW looking to join a company that truly values ethics and professionalism. In the past, I've worked in businesses where rapid growth compromised fairness and accountability, and I want to avoid that happening again. What are some signs during the interview or induction process that indicate a strata company is ethical and genuinely practices values-based hiring, rather than just promoting it as part of their branding?

• Read more about Who’s responsible for fixing the balcony? First, check whether it’s under warranty
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The strata council organised a builder who also owns one of the apartments to repair my balcony and another lot, but the builder left both unfinished. The council obtained a new quote from a reputable builder, which was cheaper than the original, and submitted it to the strata manager — but no one will authorise the work. It's now been six months. What are my options for getting these repairs completed?

• Read more about Can you lodge a proxy before the AGM date is confirmed?
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I'm heading overseas soon and want to lodge my proxy before I leave. The council hasn't convened the AGM yet, and the usual proxy form includes a space for the meeting date. Can I still use the standard form if I leave the date blank?

• Read more about Staying compliant while waiting for the AS 1851 fire safety update
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I'm on the committee of an older strata building in NSW and have heard about planned updates to AS 1851, which covers fire protection system maintenance. We were told the update was due soon, but it has since been delayed. Can you explain what caused the delay, what changes we should expect, and what our committee should do in the meantime to ensure we remain compliant?

• Read more about Just because a body corporate can tow doesn’t mean it should tow
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Local towing companies have advised that, because there has been no update to their legislation, they cannot provide towing services to bodies corporate when residents park in breach of by-laws. This is frustrating, as bodies corporate are legally required to enforce parking compliance but lack the legislative tools to do so.

• Read more about How do strata committees respond to repeated complaints from one owner?
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Our small strata complex is generally harmonious, but one owner opposes almost every decision made by the executive committee, even when it benefits their own lot. Sometimes they suggest an idea, but when it's brought to a vote, they change their position and oppose it. Their objections are often based on misunderstandings, and when others disagree, they accuse them of bullying. They also send long, detailed emails after meetings demanding compensation for actions they don't support.

• Read more about Majority rules for common property tree removal in strata
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We live in a 17-lot strata, and our ground-floor lot has exclusive use of the outdoor area and garden. A tall palm tree on the boundary provides privacy between our building and the neighbouring block. One owner on level 3 wants the palm removed, claiming it restricts his water view. The palm was there when he bought the apartment three years ago. It’s 20 metres from his unit and doesn’t block his main view, which is 180 degrees from his front balcony. Other owners want to keep the tree because it offers privacy and shade.

• Read more about Can a caretaker vote on the extension of their caretaking agreement?
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Our body corporate’s caretaker also owns several units in the building, some personally, others through companies and in the names of their children. A motion will be put to the AGM to vary and extend the caretaking agreement. Are the caretaker and their associates entitled to vote on this motion, or would this be considered a conflict of interest?