If you decide to purchase a property such as an apartment, retirement village property or commercial property, most commonly that arrangement is set up with the other owners as a “Strata Title”.

When you purchase such a property, you not only own your own property, but you also share the ownership of common property such as gardens, fencing, pools and elevators.

As an owner, you automatically become a member of Owners Corporation which has responsibility for making key decisions as to how your strata should run.

The Strata normally forms a committee and mostly appoints a Strata Manager to look after the day-to-day management of the Strata.

The Strata makes important decisions as to the upkeep and maintenance of the property, including obtaining any relevant insurance.

The Strata is required to comply with the Strata Management Act.

The Strata also provides an annual report and appoints generally a chairperson for the committee.

It also makes several other important decisions in the Strata which normally includes rules in relation to operating the strata.  Examples of this are rules or bye-laws about: -

1. Owning a pet.

2. Repairs and maintenance.

3. Renovation rules.

4. Levies.

 In such a situation, it is vitally important to understand your role and to make sure that the Strata is, from your perspective, operating properly.

 It is also important to understand that if the Strata is involved in a dispute or any issues with the building.

Certain decisions must also be made by the Owners Corporation which include the following:-

1.  Finances.

2.  Insurances.

3. Record keeping. 

4. Repair and maintenance of common property.

5. By-Laws.

6. Strata meetings.

7. Hiring a Strata Manager.

8. Hiring a Building Manage

9. Ensuring that you comply with all planning, building, safety and any workers’ requirements.

In this situation, often the NCAT Tribunal is asked to make decisions on a day to day basis in relation to any disputes or issues which require adjudication.

We would ask that you contact Culleton Lawyers by email at reception@culletonlawyers.com.au should you be unsure as to what your obligations are as a Strata member or, if there are any issues of dispute so that we can advise you further.