Your Strata Property With Amanda Farmer

Reena and I debate the question – is it ever ok to allow work to commence under the terms of a by-law before the by-law has been registered? We also celebrate a joint win, having recently settled a lot owner’s claim for damages prior to incurring the expense and stress of court litigation. We share our insights with you…

This week I chat to Natalie Fitzgerald, strata manager, about the difficulties faced by some owners when it comes to having their view heard above the ‘loud voices’ that prevail within their building and on their strata committee. Natalie and I each share our tips for owners who feel overwhelmed by the democratic process and discuss…

This week, Reena reminds us of an often overlooked rule when it comes to the ballot for committee elections. She also shares a great insider-tip to ensure consistent cash flow for a building. Links mentioned: Get the transcript here! Strata Schemes Management Regulation 2016 – Part 2 Clause 10 Subsection 3 Episode 124. Accused of having a conflict of…

This week, I chat to Jasmine Sliger, organisational psychologist, about the tough gig that is strata management and the toll that it’s taking on our managers. Jasmine shares her practical tips to help strata managers get through their busy days and build resilience. Links mentioned: Get the transcript here! JSA International Communications Netstrata Website Books mentioned: Man’s Search…

This week, Reena and I discuss the unusual rules applicable to community schemes paying out legal fees. We also cover the “2 month” requirement when it comes to financial statements at AGMs, and I provide my tips on putting your best foot forward in the Tribunal. Links mentioned: Get the transcript here! Peaceful Communities Webinar Your Strata…

This week I chat to Kimberly Crawford about the power of the Smart Green Apartments Program to utterly transform your strata living experience, not to mention saving your building tens of thousands of dollars when it comes to water and energy bills. Listen carefully for the application deadline. Reena will be back on air next…

In this week’s episode of the Your Strata Property podcast I walk member Jenny Smith through the process of registering a by-law in NSW – including an explanation of the ‘consolidation’ process and my tips for meeting the strict requirements of Land Registry Services. Also listen out for two VERY important announcements… Links mentioned: Get the transcript here! The Peaceful Communities Webinar: How…

This week, Reena shares with us how she recently dealt with an accusation of having a “conflict of interest”. Her story has lessons for managers and owners alike. We also cover the question: can the number of committee members be changed outside of an AGM? Links mentioned: Get the transcript here! Episode 116. Do strata committee vacancies need to…

This week, I’m joined by Michael Darby of Quantum United Management. Michael steps us through the ‘strategic planning’ process for a complex Victorian scheme and explains why strategicplanning should be the cornerstone for all strata communities, particularly the larger-scale. Links mentioned: Get the transcript here! Quantum United Management Website Episode 113: How to deal with a self-interested committee…

This week, Reena and I debate a vexing issue when it comes to the proper completion of proxy forms: if someone owns more than one lot and wants to appoint a proxy, can they put all of their lots on the one proxy form? Does this breach the proxy limits rule? An important discussion for owners and managers alike. We’d love to hear your thoughts on…

This week I’m joined by Dino Biordi of Luna Building Management. Dino walks us through the various roles and responsibilities of a building manager and explains just what it takes to be a great one. If you don’t already have a building manager assisting your community, you’ll want one after listening to this episode! Links mentioned: Get the transcript here! LUNA The Building Management…

I’m giving you a sneak peak inside Your StrataProperty – LIVE. I’m now sharing with you part of the “live” podcast recorded by Reena and me, which includes our tips for buildings and managers engaged in the strata levy recovery process: beware these few areas where inexperienced players may be tripped up. Links mentioned: Get the transcript here! YSP Live Video Amanda’s paper…

This week, I have the privilege of PaulKeating’s company. As co-founder of StrataCommunity Insurance, Paul will be well known to many of you as an influential contributor to our sector. Paul and I enjoy a wide-ranging conversation exploring the concept of ‘unlimited liability’ for strata owners, some very practical steps you can take to reduce risk, and why Paul thinks we might soon see an end to the…

In this week’s jam-packed episode, I question the legality of “global” by-laws which brazenly attempt to approve past, present and future renovation works within strata buildings. Reena shares a win for the owner of a community development lot and I celebrate the installation of child safety nets on a balcony. Links mentioned: Get the transcript here! By-law templates Strata Schemes…

This week, I chat with Grant Mifsud of Archers about some creative ways to regulate“BAHND” in our buildings and towards managers (“Bullying, Abuse, Harassment, Nuisance, Discrimination”), including a recent QLDcase where restrictions were placed on an aggressive owner’s constant emailing! Links mentioned: Get the transcript here! Episode 003. 6 Tips For Dealing With Criminals In Strata Properties…

This week, Reena and I take a deep dive into the process for filling vacant committee positions. Reena recaps the rules for the correct completion of proxy forms – particularly when it comes to corporate owners, and we each share our take on the NSW government’s recently announced proposals for regulating short term letting in our strata buildings. This is a…

This week, Veronica Morgan joins Reena and I as we bust some myths around strata property ownership and share our various perspectives (buyers agent, strata manager, strata lawyer) on working with brand new strata owners. We also share our practical tips for ensuring a smooth transition to strata. Links Mentioned: Get the transcript here! Episode 055 Good Deeds website The Elephant…

This week, Reena reminds us of the importance of properly detailing the motions on a general meeting agenda: this includes annexing relevant documents such as quotes, contracts and plans. We both see this becoming increasingly important in the age of electronic meetings and pre-meeting voting. Links mentioned: Get the transcript here! Episode 107. Lessons from a strata owner turned strata…

This week, I chat to Karen Stiles of the Owners Corporation Network, who has some practical tips for raising the standard of your strata committee when it comes to decision making and legislative compliance. We also cover some important legislative updates – including the state of the NSW government’s intervention (or lack thereof) when it comes to…

This week, Reena and I examine an interesting question raised by a member inside the YSP Online Community: how do we conduct secret ballots for committee elections when the Strata Schemes Management Regulation 2016 (NSW) requires voters to sign their ballot paper? Reena also reminds us of the power of polls and we recap the highlights of YSP Live. Links Mentioned: Get the…

My guest this week asked precisely the above question and is tracking some fascinating results. I chat to Sam Reece of Australian Apartment Advocacy and Property ESP about the innovative trial of apartment living she’s coordinating in Perth CBD. We also discuss the exploding Western Australian property market, with plenty of hot tips for Perth property investors! Links Mentioned: Get…

This week, Reena and I ease the concerns of lot owners around the compulsory sale process – both under Part 10 of the Development Act and pursuant to state government acquisition for projects like WestConnex. Reena also revises some important tips for managers when it comes to contractor licence checks. Links Mentioned: Get the transcript here!

This week, I am joined by Sasha Boe of Real Estate Training Solutions. Sasha explains the important changes to licensing requirements for strata managers, due to take effect on 1 July 2018. This is a ‘must listen’ episode for all strata managers, but particularly business owners. Sasha will also be speaking at Women in Strata’s “learning lunch” on Tuesday 22 May 2018. Secure your spot here. Links Mentioned: Get the transcript here! Learning…

This week, Reena and I provide our guidance when it comes to the common question: can owners turn up to a meeting and pay their overdue levies on the spot? Reena also shares a hot tip for how to save your building a few dollars. Links Mentioned: Get the transcript here!

This week, I chat with Sean O’Dea of GK Strata Management in Sydney. Sean has been a strata owner and chairperson of his building’s committee for close to 20 years. He recently took a leap over to the ‘other side’ and became a strata manager. We talk about his first six months on the job and…

This week, Reena and I answer a question from a manager-listener, who is understandably confused about the electronic voting regime under the Strata Schemes Management Act 2015. She’s not the only one. If you think you can now just send in an email with your vote rather than attend a meeting, this episode is a ‘must…

This week, I am honoured by the company of Professor Sarah Blandy of the University of Sheffield. We discuss the rather complex way in which the UK regulates its multi-owned properties and why UK property law is ripe for reform. Links Mentioned: Get the transcript here! https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/law/staff/sblandy Fixing Britain’s Broken Housing Market Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Act 2002…

This week, Reena and I share concerns around fire safety professionals signing off fire safety statements in the face of non-compliance. We answer a listener question about insurance commissions, and review the Tribunal’s current position on legal costs, in light of a recent win. Links Mentioned: Get the transcript here! 090. In Conversation: the difference between…

This week, I welcome Lynda Kypriadakis back to the podcast, this time to share her expertise on the “hot topic” of combustible cladding. An important issue on everyone’s agenda in this sector, Lynda answers the hard questions in a helpfully concise way. Most importantly, we discuss the steps your building needs to take to find out whether…

This week, Reena and I discuss whether or not an owners corporation is obliged to affix the common seal to a lot owner’s development application. We recap some of the important rules when it comes to the election of the strata committee, and share a recent win in the Tribunal, relevant to access orders under s 124…

This week, I have the privilege of Chris Duggan’s company once again, as he steps us through an innovative process he uses to assist buildings under his management to resolve building defects disputes with original developers. If you’re sick of seeing your newly constructed building waste money on lawyers and consultants when all you want is your leaky shower fixed, then…

Welcome to episode100!! Reena and I have a special treat for this auspicious occasion: we’re letting you behind the scenes of the Your Strata Property Podcast. The bloops…the blips…the giggles. We are laid bare. Disclaimer: this is not an educational episode! Enjoy. **Listen out for the sneak peek of what’s in store for Your Strata Property – Live: the…

This week, I chat with Stacy Barter, who facilitates the “Building Resilient Neighbourhoods Project” in British Columbia, Canada. Stacy shares the research around why it is that some strata buildings are able to build strong, connected communities, and how you can achieve the same in your community. Links Mentioned: Get the transcript here! https://resilientneighbourhoods.ca/ Links Mentioned: Community: The Structure of…

This week, Reena and I remind you of the approaching deadline for the installation of window safety devices. We also answer the question: how much information should strata managers be giving to potential purchasers asking for information about the building? Links Mentioned: Get the transcript here!

This week, I’m joined by Carlos Flores, who leads the National Australian Built Environment Rating System (aka NABERS), one of Australia’s most successful sustainability initiatives. As well as explaining how NABERShelps owners and investors achieve measurable returns on their efforts to reduce energy and water usage, Carlos shares with us the current plan to expand NABERS into the…

This week, Reena shares her recent surprise when she found a contract for annual fire safety services had automatically rolled over for a further year, without notice to the building. I remind listeners that vendor ‘how to vote’ directions in sale contracts are not valid, and share the details of a recent Tribunal win. Links Mentioned: Get the transcript…

This week, I interview David Hampton, the CEO of Smarter Communities(formerly Vesture Limited), one of the largest community management companies in Australia, with local brands across NSW, QLD, SA and VIC. In this wide-ranging discussion, David shares his thoughts on what the future of strata management might look like, including why he thinks the “self-serve” model promoted by the banking…

This week, Reena shares her recent experience with a Fair Trading investigation of books and records, including some important words of warning. I share my win for a developer client, which has helped clarify an often misunderstood section of the NSW Community titles legislation. Links Mentioned: Get the transcript here!

This week on the podcast, I’m sharing with you my handpicked highlights from 5episodes over the past year. A great place to join in if you’re new to the podcast, or a nice 2018 stage-setter for longtime listeners. Plus: listen out for your chance to pre-register for a very special event happening in the first part of this…

In our last episode of the year, Reena and I clarify the rules around co-owners as strata committee members. We also assist two owners who are concerned that the collective sale of their building is proceeding without any notice to them, in breach of the Strata Schemes Development Act. We wish all of our listeners a happy and restful festive season. I’ll be…

This week, I have the privilege of interviewing Mark Atkinson of Atkinson Legal. This year, Mark’s client successfully convinced the Western Australian Court of Appeal to uphold a by-law which effectively prohibited holiday lets. Mark summarises the facts and findings of the case and shares his guidance for buildings trying to regulate short stays. This is an important…

This week, Reena and I discuss the little known way for judgment creditors to efficiently recover debts from owners corporations. I explain the difference between a “by-law review” and a “by-law consolidation” and also share SCA’s helpful feedback on best practice for their standard form agency agreements. Links Mentioned: Get the transcript here! Section 237 Strata…

In this special solo episode, I share with you some actionable tips for how to chair a strata meeting effectively, drawn from my experience attending difficult meetings. How to start the meeting, how to put motions, declare results and deal with would-be trouble makers. Listen out for my exciting news at the end of the episode! Links Mentioned:…

This week, Reena successfully convinces a building to increase levies by 85% to pay for essential maintenance works: her tips are immensely valuable for any committee member or strata manager who may find themselves in the same position of having to ‘sell’ an unpopular motion. I cover off the recent Rosenthal and McElwaine court cases, confirming lot owners can claim…

This week, I’m joined by the very experienced Aylie Brutman of Economos, who gives us the inside scoop on what actually happens when strata books and records are audited, and what strata managers can be doing to smooth the process for both auditors and lot owners. Links Mentioned: Get the transcript here! Section 95, Strata Schemes Management Act 2015 (NSW) Economos.com.au Books Mentioned: The…

This week, Reena and I provide our tip if you’ve left your by-law review to the last minute. Reena reveals what happens when buildings forget to strike levies, and I provide some guidance about dealing with unfair terms in a standard-form strata management contract. Links Mentioned: Get the transcript here! A guide to unfair contract law LPI dealing…

This week, I chat to Cathy Morrissey of The Renovation College about her proven system for adding significant value to your home or investment, in a way that won’t break the bank or stress out your strata committee. Links Mentioned: Get the transcript here! The Renovation College Website The Renovation College Mastermind The Renovation College 5 Day Challenge Renovation…

This week, Reena and I consider why some buildings seem worse off after the Tribunal’s appointment of a compulsory managing agent. Reena shares her recent success with a fire engineer who went above and beyond, and I give you an insight into the hot topics being discussed inside the Members-only Forum. Links Mentioned: Get the transcript…

This week, I’m joined by Brent Clark, the founder of Wattblock. Wattblockhelps strata buildings reduce their energy consumption and, by extension, their expenses, even in the face of rising electricity prices. Brent explains how. ​ Links Mentioned: Get the transcript here! www.wattblock.com.au http://www.wattblock.com/publications.html City of Sydney Council’s Green Villages Renew Economy Brent Clark’s email address: [email protected] Books Mentioned: The Innovator’s…

This week, Reena and I discuss the little known clause in the strata legislation which allows lot owners to oppose an upcoming strata committee decision. We also alert you to the change in legislation which places the onus on buildings to ensure they have engaged a ‘competent’ fire safety practitioner. Links Mentioned: Get the transcript here! Schedule 2, Clause 9(3) Strata…