Your Strata Property With Amanda Farmer

I’m bringing you an edited version of my live chat with Dr Nicole Johnston, which took place over on our Facebook page last Friday. Nicole shares the findings from her world-first research into strata insurance-related services – particularly, how strata managers can do better when providing such services to owners corporations. We cover: how…

Reena and I cover: public outdoor pools are reopening in NSW. What does this mean for our strata pools? is it legal for residents to take refundable bottles and cans from the bins? the talented chairperson able to calm a very difficult resident, and finally, the new law permitting us to enforce Tribunal orders. …

NSW (finally) has a set of public health orders specific to apartment buildings. But…they’re not quite what we were asking for. I outline the new and rather onerous obligations on strata managers and others ‘managing’ residential buildings that are forced into hard lockdown. I’m also giving you access to my new resource, helping you…

Reena and I discuss: intentionally creating a vacancy on the committee at the AGM. Is this legal? when minor work becomes a major issue the creative resolution of Tribunal proceedings for a dysfunctional owners corporation, and more. Links mentioned: Get the transcript here! Regulation 9 – Election of strata committee -…

  When it comes to waterproofing, Ross Taylor is a man who can “see leaks on the drawings”. He’s working closely with the NSW government to ensure our future apartment buildings are a little more watertight than they have been so far. But in today’s conversation, we tackle a different issue: why are our older,…

  On Wednesday this week, it became much easier for residents in NSW strata buildings to keep pets in their homes. In this episode, I unpack the new legislation, including its impact on existing by-laws that restrict the keeping of animals. Links mentioned: Get the transcript here! Read the Cooper Decision here Section 139 -…

  Reena and I cover: how to complete a ballot paper “in writing” during an electronic meeting the surprising item missing from our strata legislation the insurer who capitulated second time around a creative solution to a long-standing noise dispute Links mentioned: Get the transcript here! Regulation 10: Ballot for strata committee – Strata Schemes…

  This week, Shawn Brown of Strata Staff joins me to explain the benefits of offshoring, particularly for strata managers. We discuss how to avoid a “train wreck” experience and what it takes to build a team that adds significant value for owners. Links mentioned: Get the transcript here! Shawn’s email address: [email protected] Strata Staff…

  I’m bringing you an edited version of last Friday’s LIVE chat with Chris Duggan. We cover the new Professional Standards Scheme for NSW strata managers and their staff, plus the need-to-know on the latest (and no less confusing) iteration of our Public Health Orders. Links mentioned: Get the transcript here! Your Strata Property…

Reena and I cover: the indecisive voter: what happens when an owner votes one way via pre-meeting voting, then changes their mind and wants to vote the other way at the meeting?lessons from Miami and a warning to communities ignoring their repair and maintenance obligationsthe deep clean that went just right andthe benefits of a…

A short, but important message from me this week: make sure you understand the effect of the amended NSW Public Health Order, mandating masks on indoor common property in Greater Sydney. It may not mean what you think it does. Let’s get this right. Links mentioned: Get the transcript here! Public health orders…

This week, Reena and I cover: access to CCTV footage: often controversial in our strata schemes, but what about when the footage belongs to a BMC? a refresher on the quorum rule, including when a chair must proceed in the absence of a quorum   and more. And if you haven’t already, access your…

I’m bringing you an edited version of my Facebook LIVE event of Tuesday evening: your need-to-know for NSW strata in lockdown, including: what the current public health order means for residents and managers how to conduct safe and legal meetings during this time whether committees can demand disclosure of positive test results or…

Tom Bacon is my guest this week, sharing his expertise as a practising strata lawyer in Victoria. He shares: why we shouldn’t expect the Southbank townhouse transmission event to be the last we see in our strata communities how the VIC government’s response to combustible cladding is letting many buildings down the good, the…

This week: Reena wonders if renovation works by-laws registered without annexed plans are still valid I share a listener challenge around hotly contested committee elections Reena has her “biggest win since we started the podcast” and I help an owner achieve disability access in their building Links mentioned: Get the transcript here! Section 34…

Reena discovers an experienced strata management company relying on an out-of-date template agency agreement and I remind committees that co-owner ‘tag teams’ are not on. Links mentioned: Get the transcript here! Section 34 – Acting members of strata committee – Strata Schemes Management Act 2015 (NSW) Section 31 – Subsection 4 – Persons who…

Mediation is something most owners, committee members and managers are likely to experience at some point in their strata journey. In this episode, I share my tips for a successful mediation, including: how to find out if you need to mediate at all why I don’t file supporting documents with a mediation application…

In answer to a listener question, Reena shares her best practice tips for owners corporations engaging strata lawyers, including how to ensure expectations are set and met and owners are not overcharged. Plus I share a recent client win in a ‘pets case’, one which should have arrived much earlier than it did.

When delivering education sessions face-to-face, “question time” is always my favourite part of the evening. This week, I’m bringing you the recording of the QandA session held at the end of my July 2019 presentation for City of Sydney Council. I give my answers to audience questions such as: are we responsible for relocating residents…

                              QLD strata lawyer Andrew Suttie and I are pondering precisely what it is that makes a strata lawyer join their own strata committee. And what could possibly go wrong when they do… Links mentioned: Get the transcript here! Prior…

Reena’s attempts to put together a complete file for her new client are frustrated when she receives only hard copy records from the former managing agent. We discuss the legal requirements for the handover of strata books and records. I issue a warning to committee members sending emails from a work email address and we…

                      Matthew Waugh of Conexie joins me to explain the software that’s allowing strata occupants to monitor their energy usage in real-time, while their owners corporation puts money in the bank (for the not-so-sunny days). Listen out for your chance to join my free webinar on…

I’m continuing an important conversation commenced last week about how we communicate: as owners, committee members and strata managers. I share three ways we can improve communication to save time, money and sanity, plus give you access to a proven resource you can use to start implementing these strategies in your building and those you’re…

This week I’m chatting with PR guru Elizabeth Heusler. Elizabeth shares: how our strata managers can “kill it or win it” in their very first communication with us why saying sorry is a learned skill, not a natural ability how our strata buildings can improve their reputations and increase their attractiveness in the market,…

This week, I’m bringing you an edited version of my live chat with Joseph Arena of Arena Energy Consultants. Over on the Facebook page a couple of weeks ago, Joseph demystified embedded networks for us: what are they, do they mean the price you’re paying for energy is not competitive, how might you avoid or…

 This week, Reena and I cover: how to ensure 40+ staff working from a commercial lot do not overrun resident facilities such as the swimming poolthe owner who found historical OC approval for their balcony enclosure in 40-year-old local council recordsNSW’s new pet laws, and how to have your saythe building that made an exception…

  My guest this week is the current president of Strata Community Association (Western Australia): Catherine Lezer. Catherine shares the SCA (WA) wishlist for the upcoming state election and describes how she believes the WA strata sector will “mature” over the coming years. Links mentioned: Get the transcript here! Strata Community Association WA…

  Committee member Gordon Streight and strata manager Reena Van Aalst share: the importance of establishing “systems” to best manage owner renovation worksthe no. 1 reason to improve your strata buildingthe joy of “data” and why it’s key to making a project of any size happenhow to ensure that only the best strata managers want…

  Reena and I call out a downside of the electronic age: are committees ‘silencing’ owners by insisting on pre-meeting electronic voting for every meeting? We also discuss: the building that turned a blind eye to illegal alterations, now having to unravel the results when a strata loan can save the dayThursday’s by-law webinar: secure your spot here Links…

  Hedley Swann of Strata Next joins me this week, sharing: the big mistakes strata managers are making with their marketingthe real problem owners want a strata manager to solvehow the decision to serve a smaller market will guarantee you greater success Links mentioned: Get the transcript here! Facebook Friday Live with Amanda Farmer and Hedley SwannStrata Next…

  Despite the NSW Court of Appeal invalidating a by-law banning pets months ago, strata committees are continuing to enforce these by-laws. What are their chances of success and what can would-be pet owners do in the face of a ban? Plus, Reena and I discuss: the owner who won’t take responsibility for the…

This being episode 250, we’re celebrating our 5th birthday!  We’ve covered a lot of ground since those first few wobbly episodes, but there’s always more to learn and share.  This week, I’m highlighting some of the comments I received after last week’s discussion about asbestos in fire doors. I also share insights from the conference…

In this packed episode, Reena and I cover: what can be done when an owner won’t agree to their front fire door being tested for asbestos why anti-discrimination legislation is increasingly relevant to stratathe owners who successfully proved the unreasonable refusal of their renovation applicationwhy we need more access to unreported cases from our Tribunalswhy I’m…

Last week, one of my clients successfully obtained NCAT orders for the appointment of a compulsory strata manager. In this episode, I’m sharing my 4 key takeaways from this hard fought case, including a wake up call for committee secretaries who may be under the misapprehension they can rule the roost. Links mentioned: Get the…

At a time when our world remains a little more topsy turvy than we’d like, I’m bringing you the audio from my Shared Space Summit chat with Charles Vogl: world leading expert on community building. During times of crisis, it is our strong, connected communities that thrive. Charles explains how. Links mentioned: Get the transcript here!Your Strata…

No strangers to difficult times, Reena and I hit the ground running with this episode. We’re covering: the rights of a tenant when tree roots damage a sewer and cause flooding from that most undesirable of sources: the toiletthe building with a diminishing valuation and a novel offer from a valuerwhy compulsory appointments won’t give…

In this short, final episode for 2020, I’m pointing you in the direction of our Top 5 Podcast Episodes for the year. There may be some surprises here! I’ll be leaving you to your holiday festivities and new year’s eve preparations next week, back with the first episode for 2021 in the first week of January. Bringing the…

Reena and I discuss: what happens when a committee is deadlocked on the election of its office bearerswhy strata managers should not blindly accept their client’s instructionsthe strata loan that came to the rescue the Court of Appeal case confirming the power of the NSW Tribunal to award damages to lot owners. Links mentioned: Get…

In this live chat with Dr Nicole Johnston, we cover: your last chance to join the Strata Concepts online education forum (registrations close today!)pandemic silver linings for our property sectorNicole’s newest research project, giving you a chance to have your say on strata insurance  Links mentioned: Get the transcript here!Strata Concepts Education Series registration pageFriday…

I’m joined by Tom Welsby of ResVu. Tom and his team have created a powerful software that helps strata managers connect with their customers. Tom shares with us how the clever collection and analysis of data can result in better decision-making and more vibrant communities.  Links mentioned: Get the transcript here!Do less, then obsess ResVu WebsiteResVu…

With the kind permission of Veronica Morgan and Chris Bates of The Elephant in the Room Property Podcast, this week I’m bringing you part of an interview we recently recorded together for their podcast. We discuss the common misunderstandings of new strata owners, how to avoid a renovation headache by making a smarter purchasing decision and my latest experience…

This week, Reena and I discuss: How do we safely hold in-person strata meetings?The handy hack Reena is using to improve her online meetingsDoes the Return & Earn scheme have a place in our strata communities? I’m also reminding you to register for By-Law Boot Camp. Last session this Sunday, 8pm AEDT. Links mentioned: Secure your…

Brain training. Abstract symbol of education. 3d illustration I’m putting your by-laws to the test: would they crack under pressure? I also have your special invitation to Strata Boot Camp: time to get those by-laws in shape for 2021. Links mentioned: Take the test FOR FREE over at www.yourstrataproperty.com.au/testSecure your Boot Camp spot NOW: stratabootcamp.comGet…

In this episode, Reena and I answer these questions: Are all by-laws banning pets now invalid?Why can’t I mail in my general meeting vote?When will an insurer pay temporary accommodation expenses?What does the new Code of Conduct mean for our short term letting by-laws? Links mentioned: Get the transcript here!Watch Amanda’s Facebook Live with Jo…

Adam Hirst of Mirvac joins me to explain “Build to Rent” – in particular, Australia’s first renter-only apartment community, LIV Indigo at Sydney Olympic Park. Adam explains the attraction of this unique model. Could it possibly be the complete absence of strata governance structures and strata title legislation? Surely not… Links mentioned: Get the transcript…

Last Friday I interviewed Jo Cooper and her lawyer, Sharon Levy, over on our Facebook page. Jo is the lot owner who recently convinced the NSW Court of Appeal that the by-law banning pets at her building is invalid. This episode is an edited version of that chat, taking your behind the scenes of this…

Reena and I work through the following challenges: are investor owners still entitled to use common property facilities like the pool, gym and concierge even though they don’t live in the property?what is best practice for managing major works projects from start to finish? and a couple of wins: how Reena took on NBN and wonthe…

Daniel Caruana of Danrae Group demystifies the waterproofing game for us. We talk roofs, balconies, bathrooms, and Daniel answers the question: why do we see so much remediation work in this area? Links mentioned: Get the transcript here!Section 18E – Proceedings for breach of warranty – Home Building Act 1989 (NSW)Danrae Group WebsiteDanrae Hotline: 1…

I’m bringing to the table a rather serious challenge: in a world where some strata lawyers may receive a lot of work via referral from one particular strata management company, are they somehow beholden to that company? If not, why do some strata managers (and maybe even some strata lawyers) think that they are? Reena…

This week, Matt Larwood of StrataVote takes us inside the software that’s revolutionising our strata meetings and giving strata managers back their lives. Links mentioned: Get the transcript here!Listen to the other podcast episodes hereStrataVote websiteStrataVote Anywhere