How can an owners corporation reclaim money paid to an owner in error?

By admin,

A lot owner was reimbursed $1,150 in April 2022 for water tank maintenance, specifically replacement of a pump. I believe this cost should have been the lot owner’s responsibility, and the owners corporation should not have paid the reimbursement.

After reviewing the reimbursement, the strata manager says that, due to the timeframe, we cannot do anything. Is there a time limit on raising this with the owner or recovering the money?

How should small strata schemes manage trip hazards identified in a WHS report?

By admin,

We are a small strata complex of five villas, about 25 years old, with a shared common driveway leading to our individual garages. All residents are retired or semi retired owner occupiers.

On our strata manager's advice, we arranged a work health and safety report. We have addressed most items, but one issue remains.

Can a strata scheme move unused insurance payout funds into the capital works fund?

By admin,

Our NSW strata scheme received a large insurance payout after the 2019 bushfires, but it did not follow the usual claim process. An owner lodged the claim, the insurer denied it, and the owner then went to the ombudsman and succeeded.

Strata insurance commissions and related entities, what must be disclosed?

By admin,

I am in NSW and have noticed that several strata managers have set up new companies in 2025 that operate as accredited representatives of insurance brokers. These accredited representatives receive a commission from the broker on our strata insurance.

What insurance should your body corporate’s caretaker hold?

By admin,

We have a contracted caretaker in our Queensland scheme. The caretaking contract does not specify which insurance the caretaker must hold.

The caretaker provides landscaping, handyman services, cleaning, and oversight of hired trades. What insurance should the caretaker hold?

If the caretaker or their trades damage common property while carrying out contracted work, who is responsible for the cost of repairs?

Can residents force the owners corporation to investigate building noise defects?

By admin,

Our building is about 2 years old and has about 4 levels. Since handover, residents have raised concerns with the developer/builder, strata manager, and executive committee (EC) about unacceptable noise from the waste chutes and waste rooms .

The developer/builder says the chutes comply with code and has suggested limiting chute use. The EC is not pursuing the issue as a defect.

What happens if an owner refuses to sign consent for an exclusive use by-law?

By admin,

At our last AGM, the strata company passed an exclusive use common property by-law without dissent. I did not challenge it at the meeting.

The by-law gives me exclusive use of the balcony railing, which is common property around my balcony. It passes responsibility for maintenance, repair, and comprehensive insurance to me, while indemnifying the strata company and council of owners.

Can owners place furniture on common property fire escape routes?

By admin,

I am an owner occupier in a self managed NSW strata scheme of three lots. A central stairwell and its landings provide the only fire escape route for all lots. There is no lift. The building dates from the 1960s, and the stairwell and landings are larger than those in many modern buildings.

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