Common Property Boundaries

Defining common property boundaries in a body corporate is essential in working out who is responsible for what. As a general rule of thumb: common property = body corporate responsibility, lot = lot owner responsibility. Bodies corporate are forbidden from spending joint funds on works that benefit a lot and for lot owners there is no […]
The Process for Capital Works in a Body Corporate

A sinking fund exists for one purpose: to fund capital works. Capital works in a body corporate have a specific process that’s followed from start to finish, with differing levels of professionalism and success unfortunately. I see this process over and over in the smallest to the largest building. For both buyers and existing owners its a daunting prospect. The […]
How To Check Your Body Corporate Sinking Fund Balance

The most common question buyers ask is What is the body corporate sinking fund balance? What does that really tell you though? A big figure is good, a small one bad? It’s too simple a measure without some context. A clearer question is how much do we have and how much do we need? This article is about how to find […]
Is a Low Body Corporate Sinking Fund Balance Really a Problem?

The number on the balance sheet is only useful when its compared with what the scheme needs to fund next. A low body corporate sinking fund balance is often thought a problem as the figure is treated as a quick measure of financial health. A large balance does look reassuring and a small balance can […]
How Many Strata Schemes in Queensland?

Common Ground is a periodic newsletter published by the Office Commissioner Body Corporate & Community Management. It contains all sorts of interesting articles including statistics. I find statistics like “how many strata schemes in Queensland” riveting stuff, so, in case you do too, I thought I’d share. How Many Strata Schemes in Queensland? There are 45,362 strata schemes […]
Body Corporate Fences: Who Is Responsible For Maintenance?

Body corporate fences: No one seems to be too clear on who is responsible for maintaining them. Is it the body corporate or the lot owner? As with most things body corporate the answer is it depends. Not very helpful I know but that’s why there’s a whole article on this subject. Do bear in […]
How To Resolve Disputes with the Building Manager

I’ve had a lot of queries recently from committee members asking how schemes deal with disputes with the Building Manager. The majority of schemes over 20 lots will have a Building Manager / Onsite Manager / Caretaker / Independent Contractor (all different names that refer to the same position) appointed under Management Rights agreements. For a lot […]
Who Can Help When You Have A Body Corporate Dispute?

The most common questions I get on my website are questions about what to do when you have a body corporate dispute. Finding help when things are going pear shaped within your strata scheme can seem like a mammoth task and I know a lot of people end up feeling frustrated and alienated. This article […]
How A Body Corporate Budget is Set and Changed

I recently received the following excellent question from Frank: I’ve just bought a unit and am confused about the budget-setting that you mentioned. Who sets the proposed budget for the AGM? The committee? he treasurer? The body corporate manager?And what if the meeting wanted to increase the proposed budget by, say, 15% because of some issue […]
Body Corporate Voting Rights and Why You Should Use Them
Last week I was asked for a source of the Queensland legislation that says 100% of owners need to give permission before a scheme can be terminated. I don’t actually like the “show me the legislation” question, but in this case it’s contained within the BCCM Act itself (from section 77 if you’re interested) and was easy […]