leigh_oliver

For many years, strata schemes across Australia adopted a simple approach to pets: "No pets allowed." If the by-laws prohibited animals, that was often considered the end of the discussion. Then came the landmark case of Cooper v The Owners – Strata Plan No 58068, a decision that fundamentally changed how strata communities think about by-laws, property rights, and the limits of an owners corporation's power. 🏢 The Background The case involved The Horizon, a 43-storey apartment building in...

If you’ve ever lived in strata, you’ve probably heard it before: “That’s just apartment living.” But a recent tribunal decision shows that excuse doesn’t always hold up — especially when common property is involved. The Case: Noise Through the Walls In Haramis v The Owners – Strata Plan No. 51923, a lot owner brought an application because of persistent noise coming from a neighbouring unit’s bathroom. The issue?Water pipes inside the shared wall were transmitting loud, intrusive noise into...

When choosing a strata manager, price often grabs the headlines. But one of the most important factors affecting the success of a strata scheme isn't always listed on a proposal or fee schedule—it's transparency. Transparency is the foundation of trust. It allows owners, councils, and residents to understand what is happening within their scheme, how decisions are being made, and where their money is being spent. So what does a transparent strata manager actually do, and how does that compare...