What if a lot owner has allergies?

By admin,

We are a block of 12 lots and have an owner (also a member of the Committee) demanding we do not use Glyphosate weed killer on Body Corporate property.

He says his partner is allergic to it. Prior to buying into the premises several years ago, they did not seek information as to what product we use.

When they moved in they instructed the gardener to not use the product.

As a compromise, we have tried several other weed killers, which are not as effective (do not kill the roots and the weeds spring up again).

What You Should Know Before Buying Strata in WA

By admin,

Under the Strata Title Act 1985, when purchasing a strata property the strata company is required to provide two documents, Section 110(1) and (2). These documents provide a good overview of the strata company and indicate the finances. However, is there a requirement to disclose the 10 year maintenance plan?

Owners Corporation bank accounts, audits and spending

By admin,

At the AGM, we elected a new executive committee. They've discovered financial discrepancies. The amount of a term deposit was withdrawn from our administration account, which left the account in deficit.

The term deposit has been in place for several years, and we cannot see why it would appear as a debit entry in the administration account. Our new strata manager is also unable to explain why the term deposit appears there.

Can we request a face-to-face meeting with the strata accountant to clarify these anomalies?

Body Corporate Neighbours Causing Nuisance

By admin,

We are long-term owner-occupiers in a small townhouse complex established under the building format plan. New tenant neighbours have installed external lightbulbs that shine into our bedrooms and disturb our sleep. We've tried talking to them respectfully, but this hasn't been successful. Is there anything we can do?

Proxy Voting and the Resolution Without Dissent

By admin,

Our new strata manager declined to accept valid 'enduring' proxies that have been previously recognised by strata managers and utilised without any issues for several years. The strata manager stated that the owners must resubmit these proxies using the strata manager's specific proxy form. As a result, several owners who did not resubmit their proxies and did not attend the meeting were denied voting rights at the meeting despite being financial.

Refusing the Request for Mobility Aids in Strata Property

By admin,

My wife has just had a double knee replacement. We are worried about how she will access our third-floor unit. There is no lift. We need to climb 45 stairs to get to our apartment. We are in our 60s and are considering installing a chair lift. Our strata manager has advised that approval to install a chair lift would require a special resolution.

We have obtained a chair lift quote and drawings. Before we pay for a by-law and more reports, can we put a motion on our upcoming AGM for agreement, in principle, from owners? Can we test the waters to see if we have enough Yes votes.

Do We Really Need Mechanical Breakdown Insurance?

By admin,

I own a townhouse in an owners corporation. When reading the building insurance policy, I note we have mechanical breakdown insurance.

Does this type of insurance cover the reverse cycle air conditioners in each of our townhouses?

My reverse cycle air conditioner recently broke down. It can't be repaired and needs replacing. A new air conditioner will cost $3k, including supply and installation. Would this be covered under the mechanical breakdown insurance if I agree to pay the excess?

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