There are few more vexed body corporate issues than cigarette smoking. Its potential for negative impact in a community titles scheme should never be under-estimated. Queensland, like many other parts of the world, in recent decades, has undergone a significant shift in the way it regulates cigarette smoking. What once was acceptable is no longer…
Every summer there are several incidents involving balcony and courtyard barbecues. The risk with barbecues in a strata scheme is higher than in a typical back yard because balcony and courtyard barbecue flare ups can see items other than food catch alight or worse, gas bottles explode potentially causing a major fire causing serious injury…
Here at the Commissioner’s Office, we are only too happy to answer questions (assuming they’re ours to answer) and give information about body corporate matters. That said, it’s fair to say that there are some queries that we do hear over and over. With this in mind, I present to you our list of “10…
Recently the former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Queensland, Justice Carmody, handed down an important decision of the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal in relation to pets within bodies corporate; Body Corporate for Beaches Surfers Paradise V Backshell [2016] QCATA 177. Even better Justice Carmody provided a pet decision making checklist, for when…
Did you know that the decision-making process of Bodies Corporate doesn’t always have to be made in full public view? Sometimes a secret ballot is just the thing to guarantee that every member gets their say on a motion without the possibility of offending a neighbour with a conflicting view of the matter being decided.…
There are various types of meetings associated with running a strata scheme. One of the most important meetings to take place is the Annual General Meeting. At an AGM, Lot Owners have the opportunity to vote on important issues such as setting the annual levies, enter into agreements for services and electing the body corporate…
With the recent wild weather, strong winds and heavy rainfall making its way over parts of Queensland, many residents are left assessing water damage to their properties and preparing for clean-up. It is often in periods of heavy rainfall where the development and observation of leaks become known to the resident and the correct course…
Finding a new service contractor can be a tricky process, particularly when you have little time to shop around. It can also pose a risk of poor results if a sub standard contractor is selected as is not always easy to judge the quality of work before it’s completed, and personal recommendations can only go…
From time to time the Body Corporate will be placed in a position requiring a decision to be made which may or may not be considered reasonable depending on perspectives. These types of decisions include but are not limited to matters regarding; pets, improvements/renovations, enforcement of a by-law, levy payment plans/debt recovery and contract disputes.…
One of the key factors that ensures the efficient management and smooth processes of your body corporate is the time and effort placed on effective communication. With this in mind, it is important not to overlook methods of electronic communication, such as emailing. It has become increasingly common for email to be a preferred method…