The website of the Strata Community WA, the professional body for strata managers, is a great resource. Visit: http://wa.strata.community The Strata Titles Act 1985 can be read in full at: http://www6.austlii.edu.au/cgi-bin/viewdb/au/legis/wa/consol_act/sta1985173/ A widely used publication is: The Role of the Council in Strata Company Management by Ian Laird 2007

Annual budget. All strata companies should have an annual budget in writing. A wellprepared budget is an important management tool in controlling costs and setting levies. By-laws. Regulations specific to a given complex and approved by its proprietors. The Strata Titles Act includes a standard by-laws which proprietors may amend. The by-laws may regulate property changes, pets, parking and social […]

New tenants should receive a copy of a strata’s by-laws when they move in, but it’s smart to get this before signing to rent a property. For example, if you have a dog you don’t want to discover after signing a lease that the bylaws prohibit pets. Experience suggests that you should look for a unit with […]

Experience suggests there are a some core issues that affect most strata companies. They include: Getting proprietors to attend meetings and be active on the council of owners. Getting residents involved in caring for the property. Enforcing by-laws particularly in relation to alterations/additions (including air conditioners) and anti-social behaviour. Funding needed work while keeping levies down. Finding […]

If you’ve never lived in a strata complex before, you should be aware that apartment living requires greater sensitivity to and cooperation with your neighbours. You don’t have to socialise with them or even really like them, but you do have to respect their rights as residents. Noise is the most important consideration; most apartments […]

Who pays for something in a strata complex most often comes down to ownership. In very small strata developments (two or three units) with no common property it may be that each owner is responsible for every cost associated with their unit. In most complexes however, there is common property and there may also be provision […]