Your Strata Property With Amanda Farmer

This week, Reena seeks my guidance on a particularly troubled building that wants the Tribunal to sack its current strata manager and appoint a new strata manager with all the powers of the Owners Corporation and committee. We also revisit the popular topic of insurance commissions: should an ‘outgoing’ strata manager retain the commission on a policy renewal? Also, listen closely […]

Welcome to 2019! In this first episode for the year, I share with you my 5highlights from last year’s podcast episodes, including: how a NABERS rating can help your building save money why combustible cladding is still on the agenda and an important 2019 date for NSW buildings how you can sample apartment living for a […]

This week, Reena identifies a trap for inexperienced players when it comes to company nominees, including corporate lot owners appointing proxy holders. We answer a listener question: ‘how do I identify privilegeddocuments in strata books and records?’ Reena shares a win in relation to a common property rights by-law and I cover off an important case impacting the installation […]

This week, I’m bringing you exclusive audio from a recent live event, which I attended as guest expert for Good Deeds Property Buyers. I’m bringing you my answers to audience questions such as: “how do we deal with owner apathy?” and “what’s the current situation with by-laws banning short term letting?” Links mentioned: Get the transcript here! Good Deeds […]

This week, Reena and I answer a listener question about how to solve parking problems at your building. I share a case law update about pets, and Reena reminds us of a handy motion you might like to consider when approving works under a DA. Links mentioned: Get the transcript here! Section 125 – Strata Schemes Management Act of […]

This week, I chat with Reuben Schwarz, co-founder of bnbguard.com.au. Reuben’s company alerts strata schemes to illegal online short term rental listings, helping owners, strata managers and building managers counter the negative impacts of short term lets. There are some great practical tips here for buildings looking to control the practice from within. Links mentioned: Get the transcript here! BnB Guard […]

This week, Reena and I consider a creative way for buildings to manage upgrade works – especially where the upgrade will benefit one group of owners but not others. How can costs be fairly shared? We answer a listener question about fire doors and celebrate the building that wants to donate to charity. Links mentioned: Get the transcript here! […]

This week, Heather Lander of Strata Advise not only explains the role of the strata insurance broker but lifts the lid on broker commissions and fees. You’ll be shocked to hear what brokers don’t have to disclose to their clients. Heather also arms us with some excellent questions to ask your broker when renewal time comes around. Links mentioned: Get the transcript here! Strata Advise […]

In a rare solo episode, this week I cover off what to do if you (or your building) receive a bill from a lawyer that you’re just not comfortable with. From reading the fine print to applying for costs assessment, this episode summarises the essential steps in the review process. Links mentioned: Get the transcript here! Supreme Court NSW costs […]

This week, I chat with one of Victoria’s most experienced strata lawyers – Tim Graham, partner, HWL Ebsworth – about a recent Supreme Court case which has left buildings questioning whether they can be forced to upgrade their common property to cater for residents with a disability. Tim shares his insights and predictions for the future. ​ Links mentioned: Get the transcript […]

This week, I’m bringing you Reena’s interview with Veronica Morgan and Chris Bates from their podcast: The Elephant in the Room. Similar to Episode 132, this is a no holds barred examination of the good, bad and ugly of strata living, from Reena’s varied and colourful years of management. Enjoy. Links mentioned: Get the transcript here! The Elephant in the […]

This week, I chat to Marcus Walker of Strata EnergyServices, a company bringing strata buildings together to get better rates from their energy providers. Marcus talks us through the surprisingly simple process, including how your building can get started by asking just one question…​ Links mentioned: Get the transcript here! Strata Energy Services Website Strata Energy Services Phone Number: 1-300-060-111 Book […]

This week, Reena seeks guidance on how best to deal with a former managing agent who refuses to hand overall of the books and records for a scheme she has just taken on. I also share a win for a lot owner who received a non-compliant meeting notice. Links mentioned: Get the transcript here! Division 3 – Section 188 of Strata Schemes Management […]

This week I’m bringing you my OWN interview, conducted by Veronica Morgan and Chris Bates, for The Elephant in the Room Property Podcast: the podcast focused on finding out “what’s really going on in the world of real estate.” Veronica and Chris invited me on their show to talk all things strata, but we ended up getting a little […]

Reena and I debate the question – is it ever ok to allow work to commence under the terms of a by-law before the by-law has been registered? We also celebrate a joint win, having recently settled a lot owner’s claim for damages prior to incurring the expense and stress of court litigation. We share our insights with you […]

This week I chat to Natalie Fitzgerald, strata manager, about the difficulties faced by some owners when it comes to having their view heard above the ‘loud voices’ that prevail within their building and on their strata committee. Natalie and I each share our tips for owners who feel overwhelmed by the democratic process and discuss […]

This week, Reena reminds us of an often overlooked rule when it comes to the ballot for committee elections. She also shares a great insider-tip to ensure consistent cash flow for a building. Links mentioned: Get the transcript here! Strata Schemes Management Regulation 2016 – Part 2 Clause 10 Subsection 3 Episode 124. Accused of having a conflict of […]

This week, I chat to Jasmine Sliger, organisational psychologist, about the tough gig that is strata management and the toll that it’s taking on our managers. Jasmine shares her practical tips to help strata managers get through their busy days and build resilience. Links mentioned: Get the transcript here! JSA International Communications Netstrata Website Books mentioned: Man’s Search […]

This week, Reena and I discuss the unusual rules applicable to community schemes paying out legal fees. We also cover the “2 month” requirement when it comes to financial statements at AGMs, and I provide my tips on putting your best foot forward in the Tribunal. Links mentioned: Get the transcript here! Peaceful Communities Webinar Your Strata […]

This week I chat to Kimberly Crawford about the power of the Smart Green Apartments Program to utterly transform your strata living experience, not to mention saving your building tens of thousands of dollars when it comes to water and energy bills. Listen carefully for the application deadline. Reena will be back on air next […]