Disputes: from a conversation to the Tribunal
Most problems are solved by asking in writing. If not, there is free mediation and then the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT).
What to know
- Start in writing with the secretary, committee or strata manager, and keep copies.
- Next, NSW Fair Trading offers mediation for strata disputes; the Tribunal usually expects mediation to have been tried.
- The Tribunal can make orders about meetings, decisions, by-laws, records, renovations and managers' agreements.
- Fair Trading: 13 32 20, 8:30 am to 5 pm, Monday to Friday.
When things go wrong
You think a decision was made without proper authority.
Collect the notice, agenda, minutes and any contract. Ask for the authorising record in writing. Then raise it at a general meeting, or seek mediation and the Tribunal.
A water leak is coming from common property or the unit above.
Report it to the building manager straight away as urgent and photograph it. Who pays depends on whether the cause is common property or lot property; the owners corporation repairs common property.
You can't pay levies on time.
Ask the committee for a payment plan of up to 12 months before the due date. The owners corporation must give 30 days' notice and hardship information before debt recovery.