What Evidence Wins a Strata Tribunal Case?
A Practical Guide for NSW Self-Managed Strata Committees In strata disputes, many committees assume that being “reasonable” or “doing their best” is enough to succeed at the Tribunal. It isn’t. At NCAT, outcomes are driven by evidence — not intentions, assumptions, or informal explanations. Committees often ask: What evidence actually matters? Do emails count? Are […]
What Happens After an NCAT Application Is Filed?
A Practical Guide for NSW Self-Managed Strata Committees When an NCAT application is filed against a strata scheme, many committees assume an immediate hearing or ruling will follow. In reality, the process is structured, staged, and often slower than expected — with multiple procedural steps before any final decision is made. Committees frequently ask: What […]
What Happens If the Asbestos Register Is Incorrect?
A Practical Guide for NSW Self-Managed Strata Committees An asbestos register is a critical compliance document for strata schemes — particularly older buildings. When the register is incorrect, outdated, incomplete, or missing, the risks extend beyond paperwork into serious legal, health, and financial exposure. Committees often ask: What if asbestos is missed? Who is responsible? […]
What Happens If AFSS Is Missed for Multiple Years?
A Practical Guide for NSW Self-Managed Strata Committees Annual Fire Safety Statements (AFSS) are one of the most critical compliance obligations for NSW strata schemes. When they are missed for multiple years — often due to committee turnover, lack of knowledge, or no strata manager — the consequences escalate quickly. Committees often ask: Are we […]
What Happens If a Fire or Flood Claim Is Denied?
A Practical Guide for NSW Self-Managed Strata Committees Fire and flood events can cause extensive damage, unexpected costs, and significant disruption to owners and residents. When an insurance claim is denied — whether partially or fully — the consequences for a self-managed strata scheme can be serious. Committees often struggle with what to do next: […]
What Happens If the Committee Refuses to Lodge an Insurance Claim?
A Practical Guide for NSW Self-Managed Strata Committees Insurance claims in strata are not optional. When damage occurs—whether from water ingress, storms, structural failure, impact, electrical faults, or accidental damage—the Owners Corporation has a legal duty to maintain the building and act promptly. But what happens when the committee refuses to lodge an insurance claim? […]
Who Is Personally Liable for Unpaid Contractors in a Strata Scheme?
A Practical Guide for NSW Self-Managed Strata Committees Unpaid contractor invoices are one of the most common causes of legal disputes in strata schemes. Many committee members worry that if a contractor is not paid, they could be personally liable. In most cases, the debt belongs to the Owners Corporation, not individual owners or committee […]
What Happens If a Strata Scheme Becomes Insolvent?
A Practical Guide for NSW Self-Managed Strata Committees Strata insolvency occurs when an Owners Corporation cannot pay its debts as and when they fall due. This is rare but serious. It usually results from long-term levy arrears, underfunded budgets, unexpected major repairs, or unmanaged legal disputes. In NSW, insolvency does not mean the scheme “shuts […]
Do You Still Need to Hold AGMs in a Self-Managed Scheme?
A Detailed Guide for NSW Self-Managed Strata Schemes A common misconception among self-managed strata committees is that Annual General Meetings (AGMs) are optional once a scheme becomes self-managed. This misunderstanding often leads to: expired insurance policies invalid levy decisions unapproved budgets non-compliant committee appointments incorrect fund balances exposure to tribunal action In reality, self-managed schemes […]
Can an Owner Be Asked to Pay for Repairs to Common Property?
A Detailed Guide for NSW Self-Managed Strata Schemes One of the most common and sensitive disputes in self-managed strata is whether an individual owner can be asked to pay for repairs to common property. This question usually arises after: water leaks damage to ceilings or walls balcony waterproofing failures roof leaks plumbing failures unauthorised renovations […]