Who owns the Strata Company?
The strata company is made up of all the owners in the strata scheme. By-laws are made or changed to meet the needs of all owners and to assist with the running of the strata scheme.

What if I do not want to be part of the Strata Company? Can I manage my unit myself?
All owners are always members of the strata company. They have voting rights and obligations to pay levies and comply with by-laws. Owners cannot ‘resign’ from the strata company. However you are free to manage your unit as you see fit. You can enter into a contract with a managing agent or caretaker to manage your unit, if you wish.

I want to get a dog. Do I need the strata company’s permission?
Check your by-laws first. Some schemes allow pets with the permission of the strata company (the Council of Owners can usually give this approval). Other schemes do not allow pets at all. If your by-law allows for pets then make a written request to the strata company and include any information to support your request, for example, information on the type of dog, how you will look after it and so on.

Someone is making a lot of noise and it’s disturbing my sleep. How do I get them to stop?
The best approach is to try to resolve the problem yourself, so talk to the person first. If that doesn’t work or, if you feel intimidated, you have two choices. You can ask the strata company to issue them with a Notice to comply with a by-law.  Sometimes mediation through the State Administrative Tribunal is required.

My neighbour’s boyfriend is parking his car in the visitors’ parking space every night, taking up the space. Is he really a visitor?
In most cases, the answer is likely to be NO.  However it is a matter for the strata company to decide at a meeting.

The people above me pulled up their carpet without permission of the strata company and put down a floating floor which is very noisy, what can I do?
The requirements for floor-coverings are usually contained in the by-laws of the strata company.  Usually if ‘floating floors’ are allowed, there are clear guidelines pertaining to permission, noise deadening and approval from surrounding lots.
 

Disclaimer - The information provided is based on the Strata Titles Act 1985 and general industry practice.  However, the information is general in nature only and most scenarios could have an alternative solution. This information in no way constitutes any form of legal advice whatsoever.  Blackburne Property Group, its Directors or Employees do not give any warranty or guarantees as to the accuracy or reliability of any information contained in these scenarios.  Blackburne Property Group recommends that you eek advice from your own strata industry specialist or legal advisors if you wish to have specific advice in relation to your own circumstances.