Your Strata Property With Amanda Farmer

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...

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&#823...

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...

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…

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 Searc...

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 P...

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 wit...

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 Man...

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...

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 s...

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 Sche...

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…