Combustible cladding such as Aluminium Composite Panel (ACP) blasted into our collective awareness in 2017 following the tragic fire at Grenfell Tower in London where 72 people died. A malfunctioning refrigerator was the fire source and was quickly put out. Unfortunately, by the time the source was extinguished the flames had reached the exterior. A […]
posted on January 10, 2017 by
The Risk of a Low Body Corporate Sinking Fund Balance
How much is in the body corporate sinking fund? This is the most common question when buying a unit. Unfortunately the balance is only half the story. The more telling part is how much should be in the body corporate sinking fund? This article is about how a body corporate sinking fund is accumulated, where […]
posted on May 27, 2015 by
14 More Red Flags in a Strata Search
I did a search recently where a special levy was issued. A special levy is one of many red flags in a strata search, an indication there may be bigger problems so, hey, you best investigate. On that occasion the small special levy turned out to be the tip of a complex situation that’s going […]
posted on May 20, 2015 by
Buying A Unit & Body Corporate Approvals
One of the most overlooked items when buying a unit is remembering to check that body corporate approval has been granted for any changes. Body corporate approvals are written documents from the Committee to a lot owner granting permission for whatever is being sought. It might be approval to keep a pet, to install a structure, […]
posted on April 29, 2015 by
How to Get Building and Construction Defects Rectified
I had this email recently: Altered slightly to preserve anonymity. Our building is 8 years old. From day 1 we have pretty well had problems with a leaking roof. Each time we called the builder to rectify they have come and done a patch up job. With the heavy rains, this has been an ongoing […]
posted on April 1, 2015 by
What Happens When Body Corporate Budgets Are Not Adopted
The biggest complaint about strata schemes is that the levies are too high! Particularly since levies have a tendency to increase, usually by a small amount year in year out. When they vote at general meetings most owners (if they vote) will vote yes to the legislative motions which include things like confirming the financials and insurance […]
posted on March 11, 2015 by
3 Common Disputes with Building Managers
One of the questions under the “Contracts” section in our Pre Purchase Strata Report is: Are there any disputes with the Building Manager? The question is there because disputes with Building Managers do come up, and they have the potential to be both very expensive and very damaging to the sense of community within the […]
posted on February 25, 2015 by
14 Examples of Corruption, Coercion & Bad Behaviour in Body Corporates
I know I spend a lot of time focussing on the negatives of body corporates, and clearly this article about corruption in body corporates is not going to be any different. I do have a purpose here though, I’m building a library of information to help people navigate occasionally murky body corporate waters. To be fair, […]
posted on February 11, 2015 by
3 Common Body Corporate Committee Issues That Will Affect All Lot Owners
It’s a common myth that the body corporate manager is in charge of a body corporate, so much so that it often comes as a surprise for those new to strata schemes that it’s actually a Committee who have the power and responsibility; well the Committee along with all the lot owners. One of the […]
posted on January 21, 2015 by
5 Signs Of Poor Body Corporate Management
There’s nothing quite like that sinking feeling when you realise things have gone pear shaped when you weren’t looking. It’s particularly pertinent for strata schemes where most lot owners’ only brush with their body corporate management is paying levies and voting at annual meetings. Although there is “help” available when disputes arise there is no oversight to body corporate management […]
posted on May 15, 2013 by
Substantial Levies In Arrears
Levies in arrears are always an issue for body corporates, but especially so when those arrears become substantial. I have defined substantial levies in arrears as over 20 – 25% of total funds held – calculated by dividing levies in arrears by current total funds held. This is the point where liquidity will start to […]
posted on April 2, 2013 by
Has There Been A Contribution Lot Entitlement Change?
When a body corporate is registered the schedule of interest and contribution lot entitlements are set out in the CMS. But who sets those lot entitlements? The first lot entitlements for any body corporate are set by the developer. Now days contribution lot entitlements are required to be equal, unless being equal would then result in […]
Unless stated otherwise all the information on this website relates to Queensland legislation.
