Your Strata Property With Amanda Farmer

A NSW strata manager has been ordered to pay $35,000 in damages to a committee member defamed by three emails the strata manager sent ahead of an AGM. In this episode, I lead you through the key findings in the case, including why the form of an email might matter just as much as its content, and why ignoring the “troublesome” is always a risky move.

Wal Dobrow has worn many hats over his years spent serving our strata space. In this week's episode, he joins me to cover just one topic in particular: psychosocial hazards in the strata workplace. What are they and how are successful leaders managing them? Wal shares his "yellow and red card" system, explains why a strata manager's inbox should NOT be open to every owner, and introduces me to a new word and acronym I think you'll enjoy too.

David Glover has been at the helm of his self-managed strata building for many years. In this conversation, David shares how the decision to self-manage came about (the 'strata manager from hell' played a role) and how his community remunerates him for his services. He generously shares his top tips for those thinking of self-management, including the specific software his building uses, and so much more. This episode is a must-listen for any community thinking of moving away from the professional strata management model, AND any strata manager wanting to understand why some owners are voting with their feet.

Reena deals with an unhappy owner who feels unfairly accused. I question why agents are letting their agency agreements expire and explain the precarious legal position in which this places them. Together, Reena and I announce a very special in-person event happening in February 2024.

It's often the role of our strata managers to communicate complex information to the inexperienced. Strata owners can become frustrated by a lack of clear communication or explanation from their strata manager about an important issue. Cat Matson, the CEO of Impactful Presenters, joins me this week to explain where our managers might be going wrong, and how we ALL might communicate more effectively, especially in high-conflict situations.

Daniel Caruana of Danrae Group joins me to explain how the Design and Building Practitioners Act (NSW) is increasing costs and wait times for owners needing waterproofing work. We question whether legislation intended to apply to new buildings should be used to regulate remediation work in ageing buildings, and Daniel explains the role he believes owners can play in contributing to the proper maintenance of their waterproof membranes – with implications for their building insurance premiums.

Reena and I discuss: - the essential documents missing from OC books and records, - steps that can be taken to prevent catastrophic water damage, - a unique way to honour our dedicated committee members, and more.

Tom Buckley of Strata I.T. explains why strata managers would do well to have specialised IT support, including how to secure yourself against a hundred thousand dollar mistake.

By popular demand, I've brought last week's Friday LIVE chat with strata lawyer Michael Kleinschmidt to the podcast. This is an edited version of the longer video discussion (you can find that here). Michael busts some entrenched myths about strata insurance commissions and broker fees, and explains why the future of strata management as a "profession" depends on whether or not managers are prepared to dramatically change the way they charge for their services.

Phase 3 of John Trowbridge's review of strata insurance practices has been released. In this chat, he shares his findings and recommendations, including: - how strata owners can be empowered to discuss insurance on equal terms with their strata manager and broker, - why we find it so hard to break away from an insurance regime that seems to perpetuate conflicts of interest, - the role that owners have to play in ensuring the affordability and availability of strata insurance, and more.

Together, Reena Van Aalst and I cover: -hard flooring by-laws. How much detail is too much detail?  -a checklist process for approving remedial works quotes -the cash windfall hiding in a new client's accounts (found by Reena...again) -why real estate agents must stop seducing purchasers with promises of low strata levies

In this solo episode, I'm sharing all you need to know about proxies under our NSW law, including: - how to fill in the "approved form" correctly - whether the holder of a power of attorney needs to fill in a proxy form - the Tribunal and court cases where proxies have come out on top and more.

Dr Nicole Johnston joins me to share her latest research into passive fire systems in our residential strata buildings, including the thousands of fire safety defects that go unnoticed, and how owners may be unknowingly jeopardising their safety with their renovation works.

Michael Teys is BACK, sharing: the power play within mixed-use developments, why some banks in the United States are now looking at governance practices within condo communities before lending to purchasers, why governments wanting to impose more responsibility on strata owners need to step up with more support, the courageous owners who call their OCs to account, and more.

Reena and I cover: - what building management agreements have to do with insurance claims - how long is too long after mediation to file your Tribunal application - the surprising recommendation from a leading strata insurer - the building that has voluntarily handed over all committee powers to its strata manager

Michael Barnes of Credwell Fire & Risk estimates that owners in up to 40% of residential strata buildings aren’t properly maintaining essential services, putting property and lives at risk. In this chat, we talk about emergency management plans – including evacuation diagrams – and the high cost of failing to have a comprehensive plan in place.

In this solo episode, I’m walking you through the legal framework for access requests and access orders. How far does an owners corporation’s right to access to strata lot actually stretch?

Reena and I cover: the strata subdivision that left an owners corporation with a $70,000 debt, a reminder that strata managers advise, owners decide: especially when it comes to the motions on general meeting agendas, a thwarted adjournment application, and how to handle “general business” discussions at AGMs.

My THREE guests this week are Yolande Nyss, Elizabeth Stewart and Bruce McKenzie, each helping to explain "Project Intervene": a NSW government initiative for newer residential buildings with original building defects.  We discuss: why litigation about building defects does not produce desirable outcomes for owners why Project Intervene is good for developers too Project Intervene's focus on correct solutions, supervised repair and independent oversight how eligible buildings can get involved in the project and why that needs to happen NOW.

The annual CPD requirements for NSW strata managers have changed. Sasha Boe of Real Estate Training Solutions joins me to explain: - why CPD hours have been reduced - the importance of a training plan - a deadline for assistant agents and more.