Can a costly balcony upgrade proceed without owner approval
An owner-investor in our 21-lot block arranged an inspection report for all balconies. The report noted non-compliance with Australian Standards and balustrade breaking away from the walls, but no structural concerns. It concluded with two options. Either to monitor yearly or engage a consultant to manage the upgrade. That owner then obtained financing plans for an upgrade to all balconies, ranging from $500,000 to $1,000,000, to be paid over 5, 10 or 15 years.
Is the caretaker required to supervise contractors?
Our caretaker agreement states that the caretaker is to "supervise" all contractors. What would be the definition of "supervise"? Do they have to remain onsite while contractor works (such as fencing) are being done, or sign the contractor in, check the work, sign off at the end, and be contactable in between while the work is being done?
Can owners force a strata manager to explain confusing reports
This is a follow-up question to our earlier article, WA: Strata manager accounting errors. What are the financial reporting obligations?
Can a committee cut gardening services without consulting owners
Our committee has decided to reduce gardening services, with the gardener now only trimming the hedge at the front of the property and weeding three properties, rather than all of them.
Can a committee remove a chairperson for conflict of interest
Our body corporate was fined for failing to comply with a fire safety order requiring us to make ceiling penetrations to one level of units compliant with fire safety standards. The fine was incurred because the committee at the time disputed the finding and failed to resolve the issue in a timely way, or undertake the rectification work required by the order. A new committee later sought quotes and engaged a company to complete the rectification work, which was paid for from the sinking fund in mid 2025.
How Should a Council of Owners Handle Excessive Owner Demands?
We have an owner who hounds the COO almost weekly, demanding immediate responses to his email queries. Many are hypothetical or disagreeing with the action that the COO has taken. Rarely does the issue require urgent attention, rather they are designed as nuisance value.
This is very time-consuming and stressful for the volunteer COO. What is the best practice in this situation? Any suggestions for managing this behaviour would be appreciated.