Have your say on Strata Law reforms

Suresh Manickam calls on the community to have their say on the Strata Laws consultation before it closes on 29 February. ”I strongly encourage everybody living and working in strata to voice their opinions on strata at the Strata Laws Online Consultation.”

Not seeing the (strata) wood for the trees

Francesco Andreone looks at the steady decline in the quality of new strata developments and identifies some much needed procedural strata law reforms. ”Sometimes we don’t see what’s obvious because we’re too focused on small details and miss the bigger picture.

Wholesale review of community titles legislation overdue

Lawyer Phillippa Russell says major and minor changes are required to the NSW strata legislation. She shares her list of top priorities.

Strata legislation over the last decade has seen several changes. These changes have only really been nibbles around the edges of reform, with some changes being put in place at the instigation of minority groups with their own agenda and with almost all changes taking place without full industry consultation. 

So a fresh approach and stakeholder participation is welcomed.

Both major and minor changes are required to the strata legislation.  A wholesale review of the community titles legislation is now overdue.

Some of my wish list items (not in any order of priority) are:

Ability to terminate strata schemes key for growth

The Strata Laws need to be changed to allow many inner and middle ring areas to go through a regeneration, just as in many suburban streets, houses are knocked down and replaced with better quality houses.

Support needed to encourage independent living

As the Australian population ages, Waldemar Niemotko calls for strata laws that work to encourage seniors to live independently.

Better solutions for dispute resolution

Disputes in strata schemes can and do occur.  Chairperson of the Consumer, Trader and Tenancy Tribunal, Kay Ransome, wonders whether there may be a better dispute resolution model.

It is an unfortunate fact of life that disputes in strata and community schemes can and do arise.

The requirement in the present legislation for mediation of disputes is an important step in achieving solutions parties can work with.  For matters which do not resolve at mediation, there are currently different paths to determination depending on the type of dispute – an adjudication and a hearing before the Consumer, Trader and Tenancy Tribunal (CTTT).

Noticeboard not enough – keeping owners informed

In the communication age we currently enjoy it is important for strata laws to reflect our level of connection. Strata manager Natalie Fitzgerald calls for greater distribution of correspondence to ensure all owners are given a fair opportunity to participate in the running of their strata schemes.

Successful strata living is created through the successful creation of a community which in turn is fostered through communication. And yet only those buildings defined to be a ‘large scheme’ – meaning they number more than 100 lots are obligated to provide minutes and agendas to all owners. With large schemes making up only approximately 0.08% of all strata schemes in NSW – that’s a lot of owner’s left potentially in the dark.

Strata Laws Online Consultation: CLOSED

The New South Wales Government plans to commence a review of the State’s strata and community title laws in 2012, which may include significant amendments to the existing legislation.

Feedback vital for strata regulatory reform

As the Strata Laws online consultation enters its final weeks, NSW Minister for Fair Trading the Hon Anthony Roberts, calls for feedback on what parts of the current legislation are working well.

Rethinking strata reform

With the rapidly changing landscape of housing in New South Wales, Strataman says it is time to rethink our entire approach to strata. ”While commerce around the world is at a ‘change point’, Strata is no different.”

Union calls for greater say from tenants on strata laws

Strata laws affect everyone in the scheme, even renters. Chris Martin from the Tenants’ Union of NSW says it is about time tenants’ rights were taken into account by strata regulations.

Recommendations for strata law reform

To ensure apartment living remains an attractive choice in the future, the law needs to keep pace with changes to apartment living and the needs and expectations of owners and residents. Clover Moore shares her thoughts on Strata Law reform.