i All members of our Strata Manager Chapter are ‘PROFESSIONAL STRATA MANAGERS’.
SCA (NSW) strives to ensure that all strata manager members are able to deliver
services to the public that are of the highest professional and ethical standard.
i All members of our Strata Manager Chapter are ‘PROFESSIONAL STRATA MANAGERS’.
SCA (NSW) strives to ensure that all strata manager members are able to deliver
services to the public that are of the highest professional and ethical standard.
An important 2022 end of year message from our President, Stephen Brell.
Thank you, our members, for your support throughout 2022. This year has seen many advancements in various areas across the industry. See Stephen’s message for more details.
SCA (NSW) wishes you and your loved ones a safe, happy and prosperous New Year, and we look forward to continuing the PEAK strata journey next year.
PROFESSIONAL | EDUCATION | ADVOCACY | KNOWLEDGE
Click video below to see message….
Two big wins for consumers with the launch of Project Intervene, which will give strata managers and owners corporations of residential buildings, less than six years old, an avenue to pursue the rectification of major defects in common property. This follows last week’s announcement that NSW will be the first Australian jurisdiction to offer 10-year major defects insurance for apartment buildings.
A big thank you to David Chandler for driving these critical reforms that will help put an end to the financially and emotionally draining litigation process that consumers have previously faced when seeking remediation for defects.
https://www.nsw.gov.au/housing-and-construction/strata/project-intervene
Stephen Brell and Emily Doherty, SCA (NSW) President and Vice President, host this webinar and are joined by special guests Matt Press, Director, Office of the Building Commissioner and Lachlan Mallock, Acting Director, Real Estate and Housing Policy.
Vic Reynolds has been involved in the plumbing, pipeline and building industry for close to 50 years, and, as client liaison manager at Plumber & Electrician To The Rescue, many of you will know him through his role at the SCA (NSW) on the Strata Services committee.
Vic said he is content and happy knowing he is leaving the Strata industry with a positive future, “You’ve no idea how happy I am to be retiring when finally, consumers of NSW’s residential construction will be able to trust that their apartment complex has been built properly.”
“For many years at Plumber & Electrician To The Rescue we have been ‘first responders’, called to investigate plumbing and electrical issues that were sadly traced back to poor building construction – water leaks, waterproofing, ground subsidence, the list goes on. Now, with the help of SCA lobbying, the NSW Government reform ‘Construct NSW’ headed by the NSW Building Commissioner David Chandler, is the most significant improvement to the industry in my lifetime. I can’t impress enough how long overdue this major goal of ‘Trustworthy buildings’ is.”
Vic said he has particularly enjoyed assisting with the much-needed support Plumber & Electrician To The Rescue continually provides to the Barnardos Auburn Children’s Family Centre.
His friendliness, personable approach and willingness to share industry knowledge will be sorely missed around the Strata hallways of Sydney. Vic said he wants to thank all those who he has dealt with over many years in the strata industry, and particularly the team at Plumber & Electrician To The Rescue.
Strata living makes an appealing option for many Australians helping them to feel safe. Being in close proximity to your neighbours can be a comforting feeling for many. But it’s not without its challenges, because the number of people coming and going from the common property of a strata building or complex can create some vulnerabilities.
For 15 years, the team at Quatrix has been a leader in installing security systems in common areas of strata buildings. So we’ve picked up a few ideas over the years on what makes a strata property safe and secure.
Last month we shared with you the most common security issues in strata buildings (and how to avoid them). Now this month we’re diving deeper into the vulnerable areas of common property and how a security system can help manage the risks.
The most important areas to cover include:
Entry Foyers Fire Doors Garage Doors Garbage Rooms Mailboxes
No matter the location, size of the complex, or resident type of your strata building the vulnerable areas remain the same. Let’s take a look at how you can manage your security risks in each of these vulnerable areas.
Entry Foyers
These are such high traffic areas, particularly in our current climate with more home deliveries than ever before. An obvious risk here is unauthorised access being granted to the building. But there are also other things to consider such as damage occurring to common areas, doors and lifts. As well as the risk of slips and falls by residents.
The best ways to protect this area is by using a combination of leading technology including:
Fire Doors
Quite clearly these are an essential part of all strata buildings. But they’re often less commonly used and more secluded, low traffic areas. With some residents opting to use this space by wedging the doors open. A Building Manager or Committee member is likely checking these doors regularly, but if it does become a common occurrence then a security solution might be worth considering.
You can protect this area by:
Garage Doors
This is one of the main security issues with a strata building. As a gate needs to stay open long enough for a car to enter, but it does open up the opportunity for thieves to sneak in behind at the same time. One thing we have learnt over the years of installing security systems is that no thief likes to be caught.
Another common problem we see is impatient residents causing damage to the shared door or gate.
Here are some ways you can help deter these behaviours:
Garbage and rubbish dumping
Strata managers and owners know about this problem all too well. It’s certainly the number one problem we hear about each week. It’s not a good experience for residents and is equally as frustrating for the Owners Corporation.
Incorrect use of garbage bins is a common problem but one that is easier to take care of compared to the illegal dumping of rubbish on common property.
The best ways to manage these issues is with
Mailbox Theft
This is a common and real concern for strata buildings. Relocating your mailbox to a more secure or easier to manage location is always the best move.
If you can’t move your mailboxes inside the building, then the following can help:
We hope you found these tips useful in giving you some ideas on how you can better manage risk in the more vulnerable areas of your common property.
Coming up over the next few months we’ll be sharing some further security expert advice covering:
So make sure you check out the next edition of the Strata Owners Newsletter. If you’d like to get access to all this info immediately then download today a copy of this article.
Attention all SCA (NSW) members: Registrations of interest are still open for Project Remediate, which close on 30 September 2021!
Project Remediate is a voluntary three-year program for owners’ corporations in New South Wales to remove high-risk combustible cladding on Class 2 residential apartment buildings.
Despite the known costs and complexities of removing flammable cladding, only one-quarter of the estimated 225 buildings known to the NSW Cladding Taskforce have registered.
Why “Project Remediate”?
Project Remediate was aptly named to describe the two ways in which it assists eligible owners, owners’ corporations, and the strata managers who support them in managing their scheme.
A Managing Contractor is appointed by the Office of the NSW Building Commissioner, at no cost to the owners’ corporation, to project manage the cladding removal and rectification works.
They are responsible for ensuring the remediation solution is fit for purpose, of a high standard, and provided at a fair price. Importantly, the building can be insured without any cladding-related exclusions or premium increases.
Benefits of Project Remediate
The main benefits of Project Remediate for owners, owners’ corporations, and strata managers include:
To learn more about Project Remediate, explore the resources below:
To contact Project Remediate directly, please email: projectremediate@customerservice.nsw.gov.au
What the PSS Means for Consumers and Strata Managers
The introduction of the Professional Standards Scheme earlier this year by Strata Community Association (NSW) has advanced consumer protections in New South Wales to the highest level nationally.
An historic achievement for the protection and enforcement of consumer rights, the significance of the inaugural PSS in Australia’s $1trillion strata sector will be shown in its ongoing and widespread adoption by all SCA (NSW) members.
Under the SCA (NSW) PSS, our Strata Manager members:
These requirements are aimed at not only improving how Strata Managers run their business, but also deliver day-to-day improvements in outcomes for owners and owners’ corporations.
Additionally, outcomes are reported to Professionals Standards Australia annually, with an obligation to document increases in professionalism across the industry moving forward.
Meet Our PSS Team Members!
To ensure our PSS achieves its dual objectives of improving the professional standards of our valued members and providing the highest level of consumer protections, we have recently expanded our PSS team.
As stated by SCA (NSW) President: “Our PSS has been created for your benefit and that of the estimated two million New South Wales residents who own or live in strata title properties.
“Our new staff members have been appointed to develop ideas further, solve problems, work with our Strata Manager members, and advise them on how the PSS can help improve professionalism to serve you better.”
The staff members and their positions are:
Michael McCann – Professional Standards Compliance Manager
Scott Martin – Relationship Manager
The Road Ahead
SCA (NSW) members and consumers in New South Wales can look forward to many positive changes that will stem from our PSS over the next five years.
We are committed to enhancing the professionalism of our members for the benefit of consumers in our state. Through our PSS, we are working towards strengthening consumer protections and restoring consumer confidence.
Should you have any questions regarding our PSS, please contact SCA (NSW) via phone (02 9492 8200) or email (pss.nsw@strata.community).
Within strata communities, there are several stakeholders who are involved in managing common property, private property, and the building itself.
Each stakeholder plays an important part in overseeing the complexities of a strata scheme, and the differences between their roles are quite significant.
In this article, we explain the role of the strata manager, the property manager, and the building manager.
Strata Manager
A strata manager manages an Owners Corporation on behalf of all lot owners and operates under the direction of the Strata Committee.
Their responsibilities are divided between administration, finance, and community management. Their core duties include:
Property Manager
In contrast to a strata manager, who represents the interests of all lot owners and manages common property matters, a property manager works on behalf of an individual lot owner and focuses on private property issues.
As their job title implies, they are responsible for the management and maintenance of a single lot – be it an apartment, unit, townhouse, or other strata title property – within a strata scheme.
They act as the middleman between the property’s landlord and the tenant. Their primarily responsibilities include:
Building Manager
A building manager, also called a facilities manager or caretaker, is unique from the others previously mentioned as they are usually stationed on-site.
This proximity enables them to easily manage the daily cleaning and maintenance required to ensure the safe and efficient operation of the building and facilities.
They are responsible for reporting any needs for building repairs to the strata manager and they are the point of contact for any contractors engaged to perform work on common property.
In addition to managing and maintaining common property and common property assets, building managers also:
The building manager typically operates during business hours Monday-Friday, with reduced hours over the weekend.
PEXA and Registration of By-Laws in New South Wales
New changes to the land title system in New South Wales are coming, effective 11 October 2021, that will transition cumbersome paper-based processes to electronic lodgement.
NSW Land Registry Services has announced amendments will be made to the Real Property Amendment (Certificates of Title) Act 2021, which will lead to three significant changes for strata managers.
These changes include:
Registration of By-Laws
Since the introduction of Property Exchange Australia (PEXA) on 22 March 2021, the strata sector has progressively moved away from paper.
Now, under these new laws, strata managers must submit the Consolidation/Change of By-Laws form electronically through PEXA.
An electronic platform, PEXA streamlines and shortens processes relating to property through NSW Land Registry Services by using electronic forms. Original documents are no longer required to be lodged over the counter.
To protect against identify theft and fraudulent activity and ensure the process remains secure, strata managers submitting pages to be registered must complete two additional steps through PEXA. These are:
The VOI process can be completely in person or remotely using a mobile device. It is an identification process that lasts for two years.
Certificates of Title
From 11 October 2021, all existing Certificates of Title (CTs) will be cancelled and no future CTs will be issued.
The same will also apply to authorised deposit-taking institutions, including banks, in relation to Control of the Right to Deal (CoRD), which is the electronic equivalent of CTs.
100% eConveyancing
From 11 October 2021, paper lodgement of land dealings will no longer be permitted under the new laws.
Under the NSW Conveyancing Rules, the Registrar General has mandated that all electronic dealings listed in the Schedule of eDealings through the NSW Land Registry Services (LRS) must be lodged electronically.
Additionally, electronic lodgement of land dealings to NSW LRS can only be completed by a subscriber, such as a lawyer, licensed conveyancer, or bank, to a prescribed Electronic Lodgement Network.
For more information on the changes relating to Certificates of Title and 100% eConveyancing, please click here
Animal lovers are rejoicing after a recent decision passed down by the NSW Government has put an end to blanket bans on pets in strata title properties in New South Wales.
Strata Community Association (NSW), which was consulted by the NSW Government on the issue, has commended the NSW Government on the new regulations.
In a recent media statement, SCA (NSW) President, Chris Duggan, said: “Research shows that Australia has one of the highest rates of pet ownership in the world. The important role that pets play in terms of companionship has only increased during the current pandemic.
“Many strata communities in Sydney and wider New South Wales have been under lockdown conditions, some for extensive periods, and pets provide a remedy to the social isolation that some may experience.”
Commencing on 25 August 2021, two amendments to the Strata Schemes Management Act (2015) came into effect which now govern the keeping of animals in strata schemes.
Section 137B stipulates that keeping an animal in a strata scheme cannot be prohibited unless the animal “unreasonably interferes with another occupant’s enjoyment of their lot or the common property”.
Additionally, the Strata Schemes Amendment (Pets) Regulation outlines the specific circumstances which may be considered “unreasonable interference” to assist owners, occupiers, and owners’ corporations to navigate the new laws.
Under the Strata Schemes Amendment (Pets) Regulation, an animal may be deemed to cause “unreasonable interference” if:
The Strata Schemes Amendment (Pets) Regulation also incorporates the provisions of the Companion Animals Act 1998 regarding a “restricted” dog and a “menacing or dangerous” dog. These dogs may be banned from strata schemes by decision of the owners’ corporation.
By-Laws: What You Need to Know
It is important that owners, occupiers, and owners’ corporations understand their rights and responsibilities in relation to the enforcement of by-laws on the keeping of animals in strata schemes.
The recent changes to the Strata Schemes Management Act (2015) mean that any by-law which sets a blanket ban on pets in a strata scheme in New South Wales is now invalid.
Such by-laws may be challenged by seeking an amendment with the owners’ corporation in your strata scheme.
The decision to amend the by-law should be considered at the next general meeting of the owners’ corporation or by calling an extraordinary general meeting to discuss the matter.
In the event a blanket ban remains in place, you can lodge an application for mediation with NSW Fair Trading. If the matter remains unresolved, you can proceed to lodging an application at NCAT.
For more information on by-laws, visit NSW Fair Trading here.
It’s been a year like never before in the Australian strata sector. Due to lockdowns creating social isolation and other social pressures, national R U OK? Day is more important than ever before.
Today is national R U OK? Day, a powerful day of action to connect with your family, friends, neighbours, and colleagues. This year, the message is “Are they really okay?”.
In these challenging and uncertain times, which has seen extended lockdowns in Sydney and other areas of New South Wales, it’s more important than ever to ask the question: “Are you really okay?”.
The charity R U OK?, which was founded on the belief that a conversation can change a life, has developed tons of helpful resources to empower you to have meaningful conversations with others this R U OK? Day.
They advocate four simple steps to have a connected conversation:
For those who wish to get involved in this year’s R U OK? Day, there are a range of ways that you can offer your support to your loved ones and share the organisation’s message.
Have a conversation
Finding a way to connect with others may require you to get a little creative under lockdown conditions! If you can’t connect face to face, use a video call, phone call, text message, email, or e-card to reach out.
Acts of kindness
A small act of kindness can truly brighten someone’s day. There are so many ways to show others that you’re thinking of them – from sending flowers to helping a neighbour, or simply wishing someone a good day.
Watch the webinar
R U OK? is hosting a free webinar today at 12:30pm AEST to teach you how to start a conversation. Speakers include Sam Mac, Sunrise weatherman and R U OK? Ambassador, and Katherine Newton, CEO of R U OK?. To find out more and to register, click here.
Host an event
A face to face or online event is a fun way to bring people together and celebrate R U OK? Day. Events can involve your nearest and dearest, your neighbours, your colleagues, a sporting, or community group. To register your event and spread some positivity, click here.
Wear yellow
And perhaps one of the easiest ways you can show your support this R U OK? Day is to wear yellow. Bright and bold fluorescent or subdued hues – whatever takes your fancy! You can also support the organisation directly by buying some R U OK? official merchandise here.
For more resources on having a conversation that can change a life, visit: www.ruok.org.au. We encourage you to share this article with those you care about to share this year’s important message: “Are you really okay?”.
New laws governing the keeping of animals in a strata scheme started on 25 August 2021. Under the new laws, keeping an animal in a strata scheme can’t be prohibited unless the animal unreasonably interferes with another resident’s use and enjoyment of their lot or the common property.
The laws were informed by public feedback received from the pets in strata survey. The survey was conducted earlier this year as part of the strata schemes statutory review.
The NSW Government has developed the Strata Schemes Management Amendment (Pets) Regulation 2021, which sets out circumstances in which keeping an animal causes an unreasonable interference.
We have also produced a report that sets out the public feedback received from the pets in strata survey and how the list of circumstances was developed.
Under the new laws, an owners corporation:
The laws also include a list of circumstances where an animal causes an unreasonable interference to residents in a scheme. The owners corporation can take steps to prohibit an animal that is being kept in the scheme if the animal causes a nuisance, hazard or unreasonable interference.
Visit the Fair Trading website (https://www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au/housing-and-property/strata-and-community-living/strata-schemes/by-laws-in-your-strata-scheme) for more information.
The new laws are available on the NSW Legislation website:
FAQs
What do the pets reforms change?
Under the new laws, a strata scheme’s owners corporation can only refuse to allow an animal into the scheme if that animal unreasonably interferes with another resident’s use and enjoyment of their lot or the common property. An owners corporation can also take steps to prohibit an animal that is being kept in the scheme if the animal causes a nuisance, hazard or unreasonable interference.
What if my scheme has a no animals by-law?
A by-law that sets a blanket ban on animals is considered invalid.
If you live in a scheme with this type of by-law, you should raise the issue with the owners corporation. You can add ‘updating the by-law’ to the agenda for the next general meeting of your owners corporation, or you can call for an extraordinary general meeting to be held.
If the owners corporation has reconsidered their by-law and the result is inconsistent with the new laws, you can lodge an application for mediation with NSW Fair Trading. If unresolved, you can lodge an application at NCAT.
Are owners corporations still able to require approval for pets coming into the scheme?
Yes. An owners corporation can choose to set up an approval process for all animals that enter the scheme. However, they can only refuse to allow an animal if the animal causes an unreasonable interference to others living in the scheme. To help evaluate the animal, and for identification purposes, owners corporations can ask for information about the animal, such as:
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