Columns » Owners’ Corporation Law
Why the delay Minister?
The 29th day of April 2018 marked the two-year anniversary of the closure of the public submissions period for Consumer Affairs Victoria’s review into the Owners Corporation Act reforms.
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The values that underpin a vertical community
Sometimes balancing the competing interests of owners and residents can be a daunting prospect for owners’ corporation committees.
Read MoreWe need to talk about building defects …
Inevitably, there are going to be mistakes made in constructing and finishing a 20-storey tower.
Read MoreThe great energy rort
As Melbourne swelters through another hot summer which has everyone reaching for the air conditioner remote control, a great scandal for owners’ corporations (OCs) simmers amid the whirrs and buzzes of the cooling towers on the rooftops.
Read MoreStrata land 2017: The year in review, and predictions for 2018
As we approach the holiday season and look forward to a well-earned break, it is perhaps important to reflect on the year that’s been and to cast an eye to 2018, which is shaping up to be an important year for those who live in owners’ corporations.
Read MoreNot all liability policies are created equal
Do you sit on the committee of your owners’ corporation (OC)?
Read MoreThe times they are a-changin’
If you’re a baby boomer serving on your owners’ corporation (OC) committee, you may have already begun noticing a shift in the characteristics and tendencies of your fellow members and neighbours:
Read MoreCheck the balcony and terrace rules first
In a recent VCAT decision, a lot owner in a Docklands building has been ordered to remove shade sails and a permanently-affixed clothesline from his terrace, in breach of the rules of the owners’ corporation (OC).
Read MoreA siren song calling for fair play
In the middle of the day a few weeks back, and in the midst of my busy professional life running a legal practice in this increasingly complex area of law, I received a phone call that stopped me in my tracks. It was a call from a locum, ringing in on behalf of an owners’ corporation (OC) manager that I was dealing with on a few matters for various clients.
Read MoreBreaking up is hard to do
When most of us enter into personal relationships, there is a fairly evenly-distributed balance of power and autonomy, at least to start with.
Read MoreBuyer beware when it comes to conveyancers’ advice
Last month in the Supreme Court, an owners’ corporation (OC) in South Yarra unsuccessfully attempted to join two firms of solicitors that acted for lot owners in the purchase of their units, in an effort to see them held responsible for incorrect and/or misleading advice.
Read MoreRead the fine print
Developers owe fiduciary duties to owners’ corporations (OCs), but always read the fine print in your sales contract.
Read MoreMatters to consider before buying “off the plan”
There is no denying that Melburnians are fascinated by high-rise strata living, as evidenced by the large number of multi-storey high rise developments that continue to be marketed, built and sold “off the plan” in and around the city.
Read MoreProposal for differential OC charging
As part of its review into consumer property law legislation including the Owners Corporation Act, Consumer Affairs Victoria is currently considering a number of different options for reform.
Read MoreA golden opportunity to re-write the laws
Hoorah – the Victorian Government wants to hear from us about our views on the legislation relating to owners’ corporations.
Read MoreHow to communicate with OC managers
The owners’ corporation management industry is well overdue for a shake-up.
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Being on the owners’ corporation committee is no picnic
Being a chairperson, secretary or committee member of an owners’ corporation (OC) can sometimes be a thankless task.
Read MorePet ownership to soar
Last month, the VCAT struck down rules passed by an owners’ corporation (OC) that prohibited pets from being kept in residential lots or on the common property.
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Strata law goes to the movies
I’ll stick to what I’m good at, being a lawyer that is.
Read MoreWet ’n’ Wild comes to Strataland
Unfortunately, we are well into storm season in Australia, and the east coast is being battered with its usual fair share of heavy rains and high winds.
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Local Lions on the horizon
St Johns celebrates Thanksgiving with a stylish twist
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