Body Corporate

Contributed By: BC Systems on

Who is responsible for maintenance in a body corporate scheme Living in a body corporate scheme comes with a host of benefits, including access to various amenities and facilities as well as sharing the burden of cost in relation to repairs and maintenance of the buildings and common property. In some cases, the body corporate is responsible for maintaining the asset or common property but in other cases, the responsibility can fall back onto the lot owner. In this article we cover who is responsible for maintenance in a body corporate scheme, shedding light on the roles of individual owners and the body corporate in maintainingRead More →

Contributed By: RTA on

Pool fences and safety laws Pool owners must have a pool safety certificate issued by a licensed pool safety inspector. A copy of the certificate should be included with the tenancy agreement. If a certificate has not been obtained the tenant may consider it a breach of the property owner’s duty to comply with all health and safety laws. The condition of the pool should be noted in the Entry condition report (Form 1a). All temporary pools and spas (which can be filled with water to a depth of 300mm) must also comply with the pool safety laws and may require fencing requirements. Tenants should obtain permissionRead More →

Smoking and vaping have long been contentious issues within the realm of body corporates, often causing frustration among residents and committees alike. The battle to strike a balance between the rights of smokers and non-smokers has persisted for years, as both groups seek to coexist harmoniously within shared living spaces.   While smokers argue for their right to indulge in their own properties, non-smokers advocate for a smoke-free environment where they can breathe freely. In this blog post, we aim to shed light on the key rules and regulations that clarify where smoking and vaping are allowed within a body corporate.   By understanding these guidelines, weRead More →

During a recent Q&A session with Strata Operations Manager Matthew Savage, we shared valuable insights regarding the roles and responsibilities of lot owners and body corporates concerning landscaping in strata properties.   This article aims to provide clear guidance on this matter using the example of Bridgeman Greens, a building format plan of subdivision.   If you have any questions regarding body corporate, you can submit them here.   About Bridgeman Greens Bridgeman Greens is a small, residential subdivision located in the prestigious Brisbane suburb of Bridgeman Downs.   This complex is a standard building format plan, meaning lot owners are granted exclusive use rights over their individual backyards orRead More →

Parking in a body corporate Parking issues can cause a lot of conflict within a body corporate. From parking in visitor spots to parking in someone else’s assigned spot, parking-related disputes are common.   As a resident within a body corporate, it’s important to know your rights and responsibilities regarding parking. In this article, we’ll discuss the common issues that arise when it comes to parking in body corporate schemes and how you can resolve them. The regulation of parking on common property or in visitor spots falls under the jurisdiction of a body corporate. Owners and occupiers are allowed to park on common property asRead More →

Tree maintenance responsibilities in a body corporate Trees can add significant value to a property, particularly if they are well-maintained and add to the aesthetic of the property. They can provide shade, privacy, and a sense of tranquillity, all of which are highly sought after by potential buyers. On the other hand, poorly maintained or overgrown trees can detract from the value of a property and even be a safety hazard. It is essential to ensure that trees in a body corporate are well-maintained to enhance the overall value of the property and also important to understand the obligations regarding maintenance of trees depending on their location within a scheme.   ResponsibilityRead More →

There’s nothing fishy about odour control solutions for your complex. Be it a holiday or permanent complex, having a reliable, discreet, affordable odour management system in place will make your complex as fresh as a daisy and as a caretaker, you’ll smell like roses to your committee. Actualised Industries are a proud Australian company whose founders have worked in management rights themselves and understand how important their products are for onsite managers. I sat down with Russel Beeston, the CEO this week, to see him demonstrate some of his products and systems first-hand. They are impressive, rugged, and compact. All the fragrances he has sourcedRead More →

Contributed By: Andrew Persijn & Hannah Hewitt - REIQ on

Property managers will no doubt be aware that the second phase of the Stage 1 rental reforms came into effect on 1 October 2022. In this article, we will be examining how the amendments impact the emergency repairs provisions of the Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation Act 2008 (RTRA Act). WHAT CONSTITUTES EMERGENCY REPAIRS? Section 214 of the RTRA Act states that emergency repairs include: – a burst water service or a serious water service leak; – a blocked or broken lavatory system; – a serious roof leak; – a gas leak; – a dangerous electrical fault; – flooding or serious flood damage;serious storm, fire or impactRead More →

Contributed By: Jane Wilson - Queensland Government on

The role of the caretaker within a body corporate can sometimes cause confusion. As the caretaker is frequently onsite managing the scheme’s day-to-day issues, it can fuel the assumption that the scope of their responsibilities is wider than it is. By-law enforcement is one of the tasks residents commonly attribute to caretakers. However, contrary to popular belief, the caretaker is not the ‘all-powerful’ body corporate sheriff appointed to enforce the scheme’s by-laws. In this article we will clarify the avenues available for enforcing by-laws, while highlighting who holds the reins when it comes to body corporate decision-making. What is a contravention notice? A contravention noticeRead More →

Contributed By: BCSystems on

Most people are aware that a landlord or property manager, by providing a rental entry notice, can gain access to a rental property. But did you know a body corporate also has entry power? Applicable to both owner-occupiers and tenants, certain ‘emergency’ circumstances will allow a committee to enter a lot, without notice. What areas can the body corporate enter using this power? The body corporate can use this power to enter any part of the scheme land, provided entry is correctly authorised and reasonably necessary. This includes the inside of all rooms within the dwelling, as well as exclusive use areas like a balcony,Read More →

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