Ongoing levy debts require separate tribunal recovery proceedings

By admin,

Once tribunal proceedings for a levy debt begin, can the amount we’re claiming be increased to include levies that continue to accrue during the lengthy period before a ruling? Otherwise, it seems the body corporate must begin new recovery action for the next round of unpaid levies, which results in ongoing legal fees that quickly erode any recovered funds. Is this correct? Is there a more effective approach to managing these situations without having to repeatedly start new proceedings?

 

Owners can challenge EGMs that exclude owner motions or fail to follow proper procedure

By admin,

The council of owners recently emailed all owners with links to two agenda notices for two EGMs scheduled for the same night. One EGM involves approving a budget exceeding $125,000, supported by only one quote. The strata manager was not involved, so the agenda notices and documents were not filed in the strata company's official records, and owner-submitted motions were omitted.

Both EGMs are held at a location that is difficult for most owners but convenient for the chair. Do owners have options to challenge these procedural issues?

Strata budgets should reflect past expenses, expected increases and owner priorities

By admin,

As the treasurer of our body corporate, I'd like to explore whether there are more effective accounting and budgeting practices we could adopt to manage our levy income and expenses more efficiently. What financial considerations should committees take into account when deciding how to fund works?

Is it good practice to seek professional tax advice when preparing budgets, or do most committees rely on guidance from the strata manager alone?

Remuneration and duties reviews guide negotiation

By admin,

Our body corporate commissioned a remuneration and duties review by a suitably qualified professional. The review highlighted that the recommended duties differ from the current duties, including new responsibilities such as monitoring security systems and removing items that require ongoing maintenance.

Procedure for raising a special levy contribution

By admin,

All four owners in our small strata scheme agreed to roof maintenance, with each unit paying a different amount. The strata company raised a special levy based on the original quote. The strata manager says we must pay the full quoted amount in advance and that if the final cost is lower, the strata company will retain any excess. Can they do this? Shouldn’t we receive a firm quote and pay only after the work is completed satisfactorily?

No trap in the shower drain causing odours in an ensuite

By admin,

There is airflow coming up through a drainage hole in my shower, accompanied by a sewerage or gas smell. During mosquito season, mosquitoes also come through this outlet. Both the strata company and the builder have told me that it is my responsibility to hire a plumber to fix the issue. I’ve had to tape over the drain and stopped using the ensuite. Who is responsible for investigating and resolving this problem?

Owners have a legal right to access strata records

By admin,

Our strata manager resigned due to a dysfunctional council of owners. Instead of appointing a new manager, the council called an EGM. It passed a motion to self-manage the 72-lot property using an accounting firm, a maintenance company, and AI as the manager. They passed the motion without disclosing details or costs despite repeated owner requests.

Subscribe to