SETTING UP A BODY CORPORATE FACEBOOK PAGE

April 17, 2025 2 Comments

Clear and skillful communication can nurture healthy relationships and resolve disputes. A Facebook page can be a useful tool for communication in a body
corporate, but it must be carefully managed to avoid misinformation, privacy breaches and disputes. It should not replace official notice processes, and clear guidelines must be established to maintain order.

Here, we outline the key pros and cons to help you determine whether a Facebook page is the right tool for communication in your body corporate…

NOT ALL “HOUSE RULES” ARE INVALID

April 3, 2025 1 Comment

A body corporate commonly creates policies about various practical matters at the scheme. These policies are usually referred to as “House Rules” and are not part of the scheme’s by-laws. Typical topics for these rules include moving in/out, renovation and moving bonds, and use of recreation facilities.

If an owner or occupier does not comply with the rules, either deliberately or accidentally, there can be disagreements about what can be done to enforce the House Rules…

SEMINAR SERIES 3RD EXPERT LAWYER PANELIST INTRODUCED

Wed, 30th April 2025 - Thu, 29th May 2025

The highly anticipated Smart Strata Community Education Seminar Series is set to return across Queensland this April–May 2025. As part of our commitment to delivering expert insights and valuable guidance to the strata community, we are excited to introduce our third expert panelist, Jarad Maher, Partner at Grace Lawyers.

Following the recent announcement of our second legal expert which you can read here, we continue to strengthen our panel with industry leaders who bring a wealth of knowledge to the discussion. Jarad is a well-respected specialist in community titles law, property law, and litigation. His upcoming session will focus on Committee Membership and By-law Lifecycles, providing essential legal insights for bodies corporate, committee members, and lot owners to navigate governance and compliance effectively.

With registrations now open, now is the perfect time to secure your seat for these essential, informative sessions…

EXCLUSIVE USE MAINTENANCE – ‘BUT THE OWNER BUILT IT!’

February 20, 2025 8 Comments

A recent adjudication decision has clarified a seemingly unchartered issue about maintenance responsibility in exclusive use areas – and the outcome may surprise you.

In the matter of Jefferson Villas [2024] QBCCMCmr 473 (Jefferson Villas), decided on 17 December 2024, the primary issue for determination by Adjudicator Miskinis was whether the body corporate or lot owner was responsible for a waterproofing membrane on a balcony terrace within an exclusive use area.

WHAT ABOUT MY HUMAN RIGHTS? DOES HUMAN RIGHTS LEGISLATION APPLY TO STRATA?

December 18, 2024 3 Comments

In most modern democracies, the progression of the human rights movement over the last 75 years has led to increasing claims that one’s human rights have been violated.

In the aftermath of the Second World War, in 1948 the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, outlining an individual’s inalienable rights and freedoms. This declaration formed the cornerstone of the subsequent growth and adoption of binding laws in participating nations, including Australia.

COMMUNITY EDUCATION SEMINARS – GRACE LAWYERS PARTNER INTRODUCED!

Wed, 9th October 2024 - Wed, 6th November 2024

In our Southeast Queensland seminar series, our panel of experts will explore what is a good, a bad and what is a downright ugly by-law. They will explain why and what you can do to make your by-laws not only compliant with existing and new laws for pets and parking, but also how you can effectively communicate and seek community observance. We will delve into making and changing by-laws and also options for when you have recalcitrant residents that are causing disharmony within your community.