Your Strata Property With Amanda Farmer

This week, Reena and I get stuck into these curly questions: how do we deal with a committee member who does not turn up to meetings and contributes nothing to the running of the committee?why is there a motion on the AGM agenda to restrict the power of the committee? Should we impose any restrictions?how…

This week, I’m bringing you the recording of the LIVE QandA session, held at the end of my July presentation for City of Sydney Council. I give my answers to audience questions such as: are we responsible for relocating residents when the lifts are out of action?why does my strata manager say we don’t need…

This week, Reena shares both a win and a challenge around her recent dealings with insurance brokers; I clarify the rules around general meeting notice periods, including the legislation you need to refer to for the ‘7 clear days notice’ rule (hint: it’s not the strata legislation). Plus, we discuss the very first collective sale…

This week, we have our first “fire guy” on the show – Rob Broadhead of 2020 Fire Protection. I ask Rob to demystify the fire protection game for us, including letting us know what kind of qualifications a ‘competent fire safety professional’ is supposed to have (apparently, ‘breathing’ is about as high as the bar…

This week, Reena and I cover: the tax ruling that requires lot owners to declare income received by their owners corporation on their individual tax returnswhy every building really should have a notice boardhow an owners corporation can assist owners with the rectification of lot property defects, andthe first court-ordered collective sale under the new…

This week, I’m chatting to Cat Carmichael, the current president of the Community Associations Institute in the U.S. We discuss an important paradigm shift in strata management, and why managers can no longer focus on achieving a series of tasks but instead must look to the outcomes desired by their clients. Cat shares the single most…

This week, Reena shares an unusual challenge: what happens when the developer sets aside your car space for disability parking in order to meet a DA condition? I question the meaning of “financial year” in the strata context, and we both celebrate client wins relevant to successful insurance claims. Links mentioned: Get…

  This week, I’m joined by Chris Irons: Queensland’s Commissioner for Body Corporate and Community Management. In a wide-ranging discussion, we cover: the unique nature of his role why his office is partnering with the likes of QLD police to deliver the right messages to residents creative responses to the increased demand for good…

This week, Reena raises an interesting provision in our NSW legislation which apparently means a chairperson need not be financial in order to chair a meeting, but a substitute chairperson must be financial. I provide some important guidance around motions to consider ‘general business’ and we celebrate an unusually amicable parting of ways between a building…

This week, I’m speaking with Dr Nicole Johnston, the lead researcher on the June 2019 report: An Examination of Building Defects in Multi-Owned Properties. Published the week of the Mascot Towers evacuation, this report has formed the basis of many discussions since about how we might fix this current crisis – which has finally been recognised as…

This week, Reena and I are tackling some tricky topics: whether an owners corporation is responsible for paying the excess on a resident’s contents insurance claim can motions resolved at a meeting that is later adjourned be actioned? the interpretation of a strata management statement and how to determine the lot boundaries in pre-1974…

This week, we have our first New Zealand practitioner on the show: Thomas Gibbons of McCaw Lewis Lawyers. Thomas shares with us the issues currently troubling those living in NZ “unit titles” schemes, and explains why he thinks the NZ courts have been getting a few things wrong lately. Even if you’re not in NZ…

This week, Reena and I cover: how to explain the “restricted matters” statutory motion to a disbelieving owner when, precisely, the strata committee members vacate their positions at the AGM the by-law template that just didn’t cut it, and the clever owner purchasing the common property rooftop Plus, here’s the link to the free City…

This week, I’m joined by Tim Sara, a licensed senior strata manager at Strata Choice in Sydney. Tim is well known for his clever ‘hacks’ to ensure he gets the most out of every working day, and he’s sharing them with us in this episode. We cover: – why you need to ‘set and forget’…

This week, Reena and I cover: best practice for renovation works by-laws what happens to the budget when AGMs are held 18 months apart the notice requirement for agency agreements reaching expiry, and THAT defamation case: when one email costs you $130,000… Links mentioned: Get the transcript here! Section 50 – Strata Schemes Management…

This week, I’m flying solo, answering one of the more ‘frequently asked questions’ in recent times: what are the must-know items when it comes to community schemes? How are they different to strata schemes and where are the traps for inexperienced players? I cover: the purpose of community plans who are the ‘members’ of a…

This week, Reena and I discuss: the building where no one has paid levies for 18 months a lot owner is given the run around with an insurance claim what it takes to get access to a lot to repair common property an investor-owner losing rent because of a leaking ceiling. Links mentioned: Get the…

This week I’m joined by Paul Chevrot, the co-founder of Stratabox: the online platform enabling committee members (in particular) to more effectively manage communications within a scheme. Paul explains how his technology is empowering both owners and residents who want to engage more deeply in their community, and why that’s important. Links mentioned: Get the…

This week, Reena and I cover off: what to do about lots that have not yet installed compliant window safety devices: is it necessary to apply to the Tribunal for an order? is the secretary allowed access to the strata roll, free of charge? when giving a little can get you a lot,…

This week, I’m talking to Gavin Beardsell of IMF Bentham, the litigation funder behind the combustible cladding class action. Gavin talks us through the Federal Court proceedings that have been commenced against the manufacturers of combustible cladding and – vitally – explains how strata buildings across Australia can register to ensure they are first in…

This week, Reena and I discuss: how a building in the middle of a defects claim against the original builder should deal with claims from lot owners who are losing rent whether you can change the ‘financial year’ of a building what happens when Tribunal applicants get their forms wrong. Links mentioned: Get the transcript…

Many of you have asked: “when are you going to do a podcast about defects and the appalling state of our newest buildings?” Well, this is it. And it’s not even my interview. This week, I’m sharing the good work done by Veronica Morgan and Chris Bates as they talk to John Roydhouse, CEO of…

This week, Reena and I enjoy a wide-ranging discussion covering these essential topics: a lot owner instructs a strata manager to apply their payment to levies only and not to interest or expenses. Does that instruction have to be followed? what does strata building insurance cover and how do you know you’re covered for the…

This week I’m bringing you part of my presentation delivered to strata residents for Waverley Council in Sydney a few weeks ago. You’ll get my LIVE answers to the following questions and more: how landlords can be made responsible for tenants’ by law breaches how to access the strata roll what constitutes a conflict of interest on…

This week, I’m chatting to Chris Sargeant, the building manager at Whitehorse Towers – Melbourne’s tallest residential complex outside of the central CBD. Chris shares his experience helping very large new buildings through defects liability periods. We also cover his key takeaways from the Lacrosse building, where he was the BM at the time of…

This week, I’m chatting with Reena Van Aalst about: the personal liability of strata committee members who make decisions over email when owners can be held responsible for their tenant’s by-law breach the successful recovery of costs under a by-law how strata managers can better manage client expectations – especially the unreasonable ones! Links mentioned: Get the transcript here! 149. Why strata committees…

This week, I’m chatting to Trent Muffett: Head of Property at Soho Property Network. Soho is a social network for real estate. Dubbed the “LinkedIn for Property”, it is building the single largest network of buyers, renters, agents, real estate content and property listings in the world. Trent and I discuss how this exciting new…

This week, Reena and I cover off: how NOT to deal with abandoned goods on the common property is there a right to privacy? how you get out of a contract that’s just not working successfully resolving a lot owner’s claim for damages And if you’re not yet registered for The Better Buildings Webinar, get a wriggle on!…

In this solo episode, I’m sharing a big secret with you. It’s the secret of the one thing. If your building has this one thing in place, you’re enjoying a raft of benefits that others – who don’t have this one thing – are missing out on. It’s a short ep, and I don’t leave you in suspense for too long. Plus, something…

This week, I’m chatting to Beth Kasumovic – the Sustainable Waste Coordinator at Waverley Council in Sydney’s east. Beth shares her very actionable tips for improving waste management within our strata communities. Listen out for an announcement about a very special event which the Council and I are involved in on 20 March (which could…

This week, Reena shares a challenge about election ballot papers: does the law require owners corporations to disclose ballot papers, even if the owners who completed them thought that their vote would be kept a secret? We also discuss a surprising aspect of the mediation process, and re-cap one of our favourite topics: the role of the chairperson. Links mentioned:…

This week, it’s a blast from the past. We’re looking all the way back at episode no. 16 – our most popular episode of the podcast EVER. What is the process to follow when you want to use the adjacent common property to expand your lot and improve the value of your investment? Links mentioned: Get the…

This week, Reena and I touch on the issue of insurance commissions once more. We also discuss the fact that some buildings never seem to have committee meetings, and why that’s a problem. Finally, if you ever lose an original certificate of title, this episode explains how to get a replacement! Links mentioned: Get the…

This week, I’m joined by Tony Scott, who is a committee member in a small Sydney strata scheme. Tony shares the step by step process taken by his building to replace a blanket ban on pets with a more reasonable by-law, permitting pets with the approval of the strata committee. Tony has some excellent, practical…

This week, Reena and I discuss how the owners in a very small scheme (eg: two lots) may live “together but separately”, by taking on personal responsibility for the common property adjacent to their lot. We also explore the types of situations which may give rise to a strata lawyer having a conflict of interest, and I ask Reena whether strata…

I’m chatting to productivity expert Ash Roy, who shares his tips for your most effective 2019 ever. From implementing systems to practising mindfulness, there is indeed a way to do less and achieve more. I have personally benefited from Ash’s guidance over the past few years and recommend this episode to busy strata managers and overwhelmed committee members in particular. Links mentioned: Get the…

This week, Reena seeks my guidance on a particularly troubled building that wants the Tribunal to sack its current strata manager and appoint a new strata manager with all the powers of the Owners Corporation and committee. We also revisit the popular topic of insurance commissions: should an ‘outgoing’ strata manager retain the commission on a policy renewal? Also, listen closely…

Welcome to 2019! In this first episode for the year, I share with you my 5highlights from last year’s podcast episodes, including: how a NABERS rating can help your building save money why combustible cladding is still on the agenda and an important 2019 date for NSW buildings how you can sample apartment living for a…

This week, Reena identifies a trap for inexperienced players when it comes to company nominees, including corporate lot owners appointing proxy holders. We answer a listener question: ‘how do I identify privilegeddocuments in strata books and records?’ Reena shares a win in relation to a common property rights by-law and I cover off an important case impacting the installation…

This week, I’m bringing you exclusive audio from a recent live event, which I attended as guest expert for Good Deeds Property Buyers. I’m bringing you my answers to audience questions such as: “how do we deal with owner apathy?” and “what’s the current situation with by-laws banning short term letting?” Links mentioned: Get the transcript here! Good Deeds…

This week, Reena and I answer a listener question about how to solve parking problems at your building. I share a case law update about pets, and Reena reminds us of a handy motion you might like to consider when approving works under a DA. Links mentioned: Get the transcript here! Section 125 – Strata Schemes Management Act of…

This week, I chat with Reuben Schwarz, co-founder of bnbguard.com.au. Reuben’s company alerts strata schemes to illegal online short term rental listings, helping owners, strata managers and building managers counter the negative impacts of short term lets. There are some great practical tips here for buildings looking to control the practice from within. Links mentioned: Get the transcript here! BnB Guard…

This week, Reena and I consider a creative way for buildings to manage upgrade works – especially where the upgrade will benefit one group of owners but not others. How can costs be fairly shared? We answer a listener question about fire doors and celebrate the building that wants to donate to charity. Links mentioned: Get the transcript here!…

This week, Heather Lander of Strata Advise not only explains the role of the strata insurance broker but lifts the lid on broker commissions and fees. You’ll be shocked to hear what brokers don’t have to disclose to their clients. Heather also arms us with some excellent questions to ask your broker when renewal time comes around. Links mentioned: Get the transcript here! Strata Advise…

In a rare solo episode, this week I cover off what to do if you (or your building) receive a bill from a lawyer that you’re just not comfortable with. From reading the fine print to applying for costs assessment, this episode summarises the essential steps in the review process. Links mentioned: Get the transcript here! Supreme Court NSW costs…

This week, I chat with one of Victoria’s most experienced strata lawyers – Tim Graham, partner, HWL Ebsworth – about a recent Supreme Court case which has left buildings questioning whether they can be forced to upgrade their common property to cater for residents with a disability. Tim shares his insights and predictions for the future. ​ Links mentioned: Get the transcript…

This week, I’m bringing you Reena’s interview with Veronica Morgan and Chris Bates from their podcast: The Elephant in the Room. Similar to Episode 132, this is a no holds barred examination of the good, bad and ugly of strata living, from Reena’s varied and colourful years of management. Enjoy. Links mentioned: Get the transcript here! The Elephant in the…

This week, I chat to Marcus Walker of Strata EnergyServices, a company bringing strata buildings together to get better rates from their energy providers. Marcus talks us through the surprisingly simple process, including how your building can get started by asking just one question…​ Links mentioned: Get the transcript here! Strata Energy Services Website Strata Energy Services Phone Number: 1-300-060-111 Book…

This week, Reena seeks guidance on how best to deal with a former managing agent who refuses to hand overall of the books and records for a scheme she has just taken on. I also share a win for a lot owner who received a non-compliant meeting notice. Links mentioned: Get the transcript here! Division 3 – Section 188 of Strata Schemes Management…

This week I’m bringing you my OWN interview, conducted by Veronica Morgan and Chris Bates, for The Elephant in the Room Property Podcast: the podcast focused on finding out “what’s really going on in the world of real estate.” Veronica and Chris invited me on their show to talk all things strata, but we ended up getting a little…