Owners Corporation Executive Committee

By admin,

At the first meeting of our owners corporation, a resolution was passed allowing all eight units to be represented on the executive committee. Does this resolution need to be renewed at each AGM?

We also understand the difference between the owners corporation (OC) and the executive committee (EC). In our eight-lot unit plan, one or two people per unit sometimes attend EC meetings. We know there is only one vote per EC member. Our secretary claims that while OC members are allowed to attend, they are not permitted to speak.

Can a body corporate amend its by-laws to limit pool access?

By admin,

The BCCM Act states that an occupier is "a resident owner or resident lessee of the lot, or someone else who lives on the lot". Does the BCCM Act consider an occupier as anyone residing in a scheme lot at the time?

Our building has two identical indoor pools that are generally used by two types of residents.

Is it Law - Committee Minutes Must Be Released Within 14 Days?

By admin,

I am a newly elected executive committee (EC) member. Our AGM was around a month ago. Twice via email, I have requested the strata manager provide a copy of the minutes from our last AGM.

The written requests have been met with silence. Is it unreasonable to make this request? How do we progress?

Body Corporate Spending Without Required Approvals

By admin,

Last Christmas, the body corporate bought gifts for the strata manager and the caretaker. Recently, our chair held a farewell party for the caretaker. Food and drinks were supplied for approximately 45 guests for three hours.

The members decided to reimburse the chair at a subsequent committee meeting.

Transparency & Conflicts around Maintenance Works Contracts

By admin,

Are there any requirement in the Act for the Managing Agent to formally declare any interest/conflict of interest, when it comes to the appointment of contractors for services to the OC?

I've found that many Strata Management companies and Strata Managers have integrated their business model with the associated services providers (maintenance, gardening, cleaning, etc) or they have relatives/associates involved in these supporting businesses.

How can the Owners Corporation manage the risk and ensure independence of the Managing Agent?

Boundary Fences in a Body Corporate

By admin,

We live in a small complex of eight units. A recent safety report suggested we replace a section of the boundary fence. The adjacent complex has agreed to pay half the cost.

We’ve obtained a quote, but what is the best arrangement for paying the fencer? Our body corporate manager looks after the adjacent complex. Should our body corporate pay for the fence in full and bill the neighbouring body corporate for their half or should each complex pay its contribution directly to the contractor?

Lighting in common areas - Are sensor lights compliant?

By admin,

A bollard light in a non-common area of owners corporation property is damaged and needs repair. This light is connected to the common area lights that turn on at dusk. It's on the same electrical line and works off the same electrical circuit as the driveway lights in the common area.

Strata Insurance for common driveway

By admin,

Our strata plan consists of five detached lots sharing a common driveway. We don't have a council of owners but buy joint strata building insurance. What do we do if one owner doesn't pay their share of the insurance premium?

For the premium to be valid, it has to be paid in full before the expiry date. One owner refuses to contribute. If all other owners increase their payment to cover the deficit, what action can we take to recover this money?

Can overdue insurance payments be pursued similarly to late levies? Can we charge interest on the amount owed?

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