Over the last few years, you may have noticed a significant rise in the number of apartments and townhouses constructed in various Australian cities. Due to personal financial reasons and other circumstances, several Australians are now living in apartments and complexes. This guide will cover the definition of strata, what you need to know about living in a strata property, and how strata title lawyers in Sydney can help you with the process.
First things first,
What is Strata?
Introduced in Australia in 1961, this arrangement is now being followed all over the world. Even though this management scheme has been around for more than 60 years, various Australian societies and lawmakers are still trying to adjust to strata living. Strata arrangement involves different complex rules which one needs to adapt to living. The complex rules are one of the significant reasons why strata living can be extremely volatile.
Strata plan developments usually consist of:
- Residential (Eg: Apartments)
- Retail (Eg: Shopping centres)
- Miscellaneous (Eg: Shops with apartments in upper levels)
- Retirement villages
- Resorts
Each strata scheme has its by-laws. Strata by-laws in Sydney covers the behaviour of residents and the use of the common property. Many owners, owner corporations, or strata managers often do not prefer to seek any legal assistance until the situation gets complicated. Investing money in a property is a huge decision. Therefore, it is best to ensure you have a good understanding of strata management and include legal assistance if any problems arise.
Here are three reasons why owners of a corporation and the committee should seek legal guidance proactively.
1) For Better Understanding of The Property
A strata title is split into two forms of property, viz:
a) Common Property
Common Property is jointly owned property that all owners share.
b) Lot property
Such properties are individual property owned within the entire apartment or complex.
The difference between common and lot property is complex. Several legal rules determine where the property starts and finishes. To avoid complexity, one should consult a strata lawyer who can aid a better understanding of such boundaries.
2) Making By-Laws
Conducting a home renovation in common property is a simple exercise and doesn’t require any special permission from anyone. However making such changes in a strata property can cause several problems, egos, and barriers, not just from the local council. You can think of this as a permission slip an owner requires to change the common property and any parts of the owner’s lot that are adjacent to the common property. Non-compliance with such rules can cause a blunder. Therefore, it is essential to engage a strata lawyer to prepare a by-law.
3) To Settle Disputes
Disputes are inevitable and quite common in communal living. One of the common reasons is a delay with repairs and maintenance. Finding one of the best strata lawyers in Sydney can help you minimise such disputes. They also help your community put policies in place that can educate parties to manage the dispute internally.
Need the assistance of one of the best specialist strata lawyers in Sydney? Contact Pobi Lawyers. Their skilled lawyers have drafted hundreds of by-laws for strata and community schemes all across Sydney.
