The Legal Affairs and Safety Committee has released its report following the inquiry into the Body Corporate and Community Management and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2023. The key issues raised during the committee’s examination of the Bill included: termination of a community titles scheme for economic reasons approval of alternative insurance arrangements for bodies corporate…
Implementing a long-term property maintenance program can offer a multitude of financial and operational advantages. By integrating a robust maintenance plan into your strata management strategy, your property can reap the rewards and avoid missed opportunities. One of the most compelling benefits of adopting a long-term maintenance approach is the empowerment of informed decision-making. With…
There are many misconceptions about the differences between a proxy and a representative. Although both involve exercising someone else’s voting rights, these terms are not interchangeable. If you are unable to attend a body corporate meeting, someone may be able to represent you as your proxy, or as your representative. There are many misconceptions about…
Is the hottest and one of the most controversial topics currently raising many questions for you and your Body Corporate? Electric vehicles are starting to fill roads around the world as manufacturers launch ever more impressive battery powered alternatives, but do strata properties have the charging solutions to make it work? This week we are…
We can improve strata if we want to. And, in this series of articles I identify things that should and can be improved, plus my ideas for doing so. Today, I’m focused on the confusing language used in strata title. Let’s start with a big issue that’s never been substantively addressed in Australian strata law…
The History of body corporate is ever-changing. Over the last few weeks, we have delved into the past to review the transformation the industry has made. Part one started back in the 1930 to 1960 era when community living first emerged in QLD. It then covered 1960-1970 when multi-story dwellings and cluster housing were given…
In part 1 of our by-law series, we discussed what by-laws are legislated to provide for. In parts 2 and 3 we discussed what by-laws cannot provide for. In the final instalment of our by-law series we discuss the requirements and process for enforcing by-laws. Section 94 of the Body Corporate and Community Management Act…
The role of the caretaker within a body corporate can sometimes cause confusion. As the caretaker is frequently onsite managing the scheme’s day-to-day issues, it can fuel the assumption that the scope of their responsibilities is wider than it is. By-law enforcement is one of the tasks residents commonly attribute to caretakers. However, contrary to…
The Office of the Commissioner for Body Corporate and Community Management (BCCM Office) sometimes receives dispute resolution applications that raise emotive and concerning claims of harassment, bullying or abuse. When people disclose these personal experiences, it is clear that these difficulties and challenges would benefit from a resolution. However, under current legislation, there is no…
The transition from life in a detached dwelling, where one is accustomed to a degree of autonomy, to life in a body corporate is a challenge for many residents. How well the realities of community living are managed hinges upon communication. It is not an overstatement to say that good communication is the cornerstone of…