Our strata manager has not called a strata meeting for 15 months — are there any valid reasons for a late AGM?

By admin,

Our strata manager has not called a strata meeting for the last 15 months. Are there any valid reasons for a late AGM? How about works being undertaken on common property, such as pool renovation and painting, or one council member being away? What action can we take to get things back on track?

When the embedded network provider increases rates, how can the strata accept the increase on residents' behalf?

By admin,

What is the process with electricity tariffs when the embedded network provider wants to increase prices that are unacceptable to the owners corporation? When rates increase, how can the strata, who are not the end-paying residents, accept the increase on residents' behalf?

Do We Need To Supply Our Tenant's Details to Strata?

By admin,

I own a unit in a block of 8. It is tenanted to a responsible tenant with two children.

The next door neighbour (treasurer) is very intimidating and always complaining. He has requested the Surname and phone number of my tenant. I believe this is a breach of her privacy. The Strata Title Committee has my private details, and also the Estate Agent who manages the rental.

Am I obliged to provide my tenants details to strata or the committee, given that the Strata Committee has adequate contact details for myself and the agent?

My rented apartment is next to a resident facility room and I'm regularly disturbed by noise — what can I do?

By admin,

I rent in an apartment block that has a grand hall room facility for use by the residents. The facility room is situated right next to my apartment. Moving in, I knew this was the case, although the noise is getting out of control. The by-laws state that occupants must be out of the room by 10:00 pm but this rarely happens. I'm forever knocking on the door, asking them to keep the noise down and / or leave the room. In addition, it's noisy at other times when residents are setting up for events and moving furniture around the room.

Can a council of owners member selling their unit remain on the council, and should they be restricted from voting on matters that could affect their property's value?

By admin,

If a council of owners (CoO) member decides to sell, is this a conflict of interest? Can the council request that person withdraw from the CoO or not cast any votes? Given that a selling member's priorities may diverge from the broader interests of the strata body corporate, should there be specific guidelines or procedures in place to manage potential conflicts of interest during this period?

Is there a limit on the term of a building management contract and at what point can we terminate it?

By admin,

Under the latest revision of the STA 1985, is there a limit on the term of a building management contract?

Our building manager was engaged by the strata company. They have five years left on a ten year contract. The CoO wants to revisit this contract.

The original 10+10 contract was executed 15 years ago and assigned to the current manager two and a half years ago.

If the current contract exceeds the term limitations, can a change in term be enforced under the Act?

Who's accountable when an EGM may not be required and costs aren't disclosed?

By admin,

In our over 55's complex, approval was required for a roof to replace an existing approved roof on lot property. The new roof was to be paid by the owner at no cost to the sinking fund. It was unlikely that an EGM would be held for months, so the body corporate volunteered to cover the EGM costs to initiate the approval process. The strata manager provided no paperwork for arranging the meeting, nor was there a schedule of fees. The chairman verbally estimated costs of $500, which was approved and paid.

Subscribe to