Turn your strata thinking forwards before making changes

Strata law has undergone a series of small changes since it’s introduction in New South Wales in 1961. According to Francesco Andreone small changes are no longer enough – what is needed is a major rethink.

Strata reform to recognise lifestyle changes

Strata living is growing in popularity and with this trend expected to continue Tim McKibbin believes now is the appropriate time to revisit the existing legislative framework.

Mission Statements for strata plans

Having a clear idea about what you are buying into would help prevent future conflicts for those living in apartments. Jimmy Thomson explores the idea of creating Mission Statements for Strata plans.

I’ve been writing about strata for about eight or nine years now, starting with the book Apartment Living and then for the past six years my newspaper column, its related website and readers’ forum. One thing that struck me throughout this period is that the people who write to complain – and they rarely write to say how happy they are – aren’t frustrated and angry because they haven’t been given enough, but because they haven’t received what they paid for and were promised.

Pets in Strata – recognising benefits and balance

Pets are a popular part of the lives of most Australians and with the increasing popularity of higher density living, the best way to manage pet ownership in strata accommodation is an important issue for pet owners and strata communities across Australia, according to Susie Willis.

Strata law reform: there’s no easy fix

Problems in strata and community schemes are easily identified. Michael Coutts-Trotter is keen to look at balanced, innovative and practical solutions.

NSW Fair Trading: What more could we do to help strata and community schemes?

NSW Fair Trading provides a number of important services to strata and community schemes. Rod Stowe looks at ways these services could be improved.

As the main regulator NSW Fair Trading plays an important role in the management of strata and community schemes. We take over 30,000 calls and receive hundreds of letters each year from people seeking information and advice. With many more schemes to be built in the coming years the demand for our services will only continue to grow.

Strata Living is one of our most popular publications and we have a wide range of other information available on our website. The educational seminars we conduct across NSW are also well attended and well received.

Consultation Questions

We invite your comments on the following questions:

Q1. What are the main areas of the existing strata and community scheme laws you would like to see changed?

Q2. Can you see any future issues that need to be addressed in the legislation?

50 years of strata title in NSW

Strata and community schemes have come a long way since the first scheme was registered 50 years ago. Des Mooney looks at ideas to help shape the next 50 years.

2011 marks the 50th anniversary of strata legislation in NSW. That makes it a good time to think about what might happen in the next 50 years and whether our current strata and community scheme laws will remain relevant.

LPI administers the state’s land title system and registers strata and community plans. When the first strata Act was introduced it gave unit owners a secure form of ownership for their asset. The original strata subdivisions were relatively simple, involving the division of a vertical apartment block into lots, with the rest of the building being common property.

Have your say on Strata and Community Scheme Laws

Strata and Community Scheme Laws: Making NSW number one again

New South Wales was the birthplace of strata and community scheme laws. Minister for Fair Trading Anthony Roberts wants to see the NSW laws number one again.

Community Housing regulation: Have your say

Housing Ministers across Australia agreed to a blueprint for a National Regulatory System for community housing providers.

The proposed system seeks to introduce nationally consistent regulatory arrangements to promote the growth of the community housing sector nationally.

The new system will aim to improve tenant outcomes and protect vulnerable tenants, protect government funding and equity in the sector, and enhance investor and partner confidence.

Please make a public submission or comment on the system design or learn more about the system, which is expected to begin in 2013, at www.nrsch.gov.au.

 

National Regulatory Reform Survey with the Queensland Office for Regulatory Efficiency: Extended Background

Open Forum is currently hosting a SURVEY on behalf of the Queensland Office for Regulatory Efficiency, Queensland Government. This article provides an extended background.