Responsive Strata

12/08/2025

strata, rebates, north sydney, incentives,

16/07/2025

Michael Lee once hired six burly security guards to prevent some owners attending their AGM. He’s now been banned.

16/07/2025

DID YOU KNOW that as of today, 1 July 2025, another set of reforms under the Strata Schemes Legislation Amendment Act 2025 has commenced.

These changes affect a multitude of different legislations and impact:
• Unfair contract terms
• Building manager agency agreement form & terms
• Strata manager agency agreement form & terms
• Strata manager reporting obligations
• Strata manager breach of duty
• Repair and maintenance
• Developer/original owner duties
• Strata committee duties
• Functions of chairperson
• Approval of minor renovations
• Specifying responsibility for repair and maintenance
• Sustainability infrastructure
• Accessibility infrastructure
• Supply agreements
• Assistance animals
• Common property rights by-laws
• Uncollected goods
• Preparing first 10-year capital works fund plan
• Legal services approval
• Inspection of owners corporation documents

Are you ready for this latest round of changes?

For those strata managers who are Compliance Pack members, please login and check out category 16. New Strata Laws – 1 July 2025 for our checklist covering the changes and what actions need to be taken, a copy of our webinar on the topic and our updates documents and fact sheets to ensure compliance with this latest round of reform.

Are you a strata manager and not a member? Contact [email protected] today for a demo and free trial. With over 42,000 visits last year alone, the Compliance Pack membership is a MUST HAVE for strata firms in NSW.

08/06/2025

📅 1 July is fast approaching!

20 new reforms to NSW strata laws will come into effect.

Last week, SCA (NSW) hosted a live webinar with NSW Fair Trading’s Melissa Pinto and Lachlan Malloch to walk members through the key changes. From additional reporting to unfair contract terms, managing agents need to be aware of these reforms.

✅ If you missed the webinar, make sure to catch up. You can view the recording via your SCA (NSW) Education Centre - ‘Catalogue’ > ‘PSS Elective Webinar Recordings’ > ‘NSW Strata Reforms 2025 – Webinar Recording’.

01/02/2025

Fire Regulations Pushed out to 2026 & 2027🔥

The NSW Government has announced that two key fire safety reforms, originally scheduled for 13 February 2025, have been deferred. Their release will now be staggered across Feb 2026 and Feb 2027.

The two deferred reforms are:

• The requirement to comply with Australian Standard (AS) 1851, which mandates the frequency of fire safety servicing and maintenance, has been deferred to 13 February 2026.

• The requirement that a fire safety certificate can only be issued if an assessment has been done by an accredited practitioner (fire safety) has been deferred to13 February 2027.

Read the NSW Government Fact Sheet - https://ow.ly/bwAp50UPYTl

25/08/2024

This week’s DID YOU KNOW covers the biggest topic in the property industry right now – work health & safety!

Following on from SafeWork NSW v Maluko Pty Ltd [2023] NSWDC 274, another notable judgment has been handed down by the Court, but this time against The Owners – Strata Plan No. 93899. Similar to the decision in Maluko, the court found that the Owners Corporation breached its duty as a person conducting business or undertakings (PCBU) and was fined $225,000 plus as order for costs in the sum of $40,000.

This decision emphasises the importance of group title structures determining if they are considered a PCBU and if so, ensuring they have the following:

* An officer (such as a committee member) armed with a suitable WH&S policy to adequately implement, assess, train, induct and manage the risks and WH&S Policy as required by section 27 of the Act;

* Ensure that suitable inclusions in quote requests addressing the Act are included;

* Ensure adequate insurance for the legal defence costs, as $50,000.00 is woefully inadequate. Bear in mind that you cannot insure against (or claim indemnity in respect of) the substantial penalties for incidents occurring after 10 June 2020; and

* Take compliance measures as required by the Act.

So where do you start?

Click the link below and take our quiz: I’m an Owner – Does my scheme need a WH&S policy? to determine if your group title structure needs a policy and if so how we can help.

https://www.bannermans.com.au/legal-products/whs-package-for-building-owners/whs-quiz/

11/08/2024

Responsive Strata has been built on strong foundations with our 4 PILLARS OF SERVICE:

we are RESPONSIVE
At the core of our ethos, responsiveness is not just our first pillar but also our namesake. Recognising the widespread issue of unresponsiveness in strata management, we stand as the solution. Our commitment means direct, versatile communication channels are always open - be it via phone, owners apps, online forms, social media, or face-to-face interactions. We set the standard for engagement, ensuring your concerns are heard and addressed promptly, departing from the industry's norm.

we are TRANSPARENT
We understand the importance of financial transparency for Owners Corporations and their desire for clear dealings with their managing agents. We attempt to avoid conflicts of interest completely rather than only declaring them. We offer insurance options that either refund commissions or use no-commission brokers, ensuring we don't add to your insurance costs. Our fees and charges are transparent, with clear communication to prevent the frustration associated with "bill shock" or undisclosed charges. Our straightforward management agreement and adaptable fee structure can be tailored to fit the unique needs of different Owners Corporations. Ethics and Trust are at the centre of every decision.

we are CONSISTENT
We are hands-on in the business as your strata manager. We promise that you will be dealing with the same people year on year instead of the constant churn that many owners corporations have experienced. We hold the conviction that a strata manager ought to serve as a stable, long-term component of the Owners Corporation's management team, ensuring continuity and expertise. We’ll get to know your residents and committee and you will see us on site at your building regularly.

we are INDEPENDENT
We do not own, nor are we owned by, any related entity and we do not accept rebates from any service providers in connection with your building or Owners Corporation. When you engage Responsive as your strata manager you can rest assured that we are your trusted advisor and advocate who will be working to achieve the best outcome for YOU. Our focus is on fostering lasting relationships built on the foundation of mutual benefit, NOT on maximising profit through convoluted relationships with other businesses.

31/07/2024

This question pops up quite often.

30/07/2024

In this post I explore the wonderful world of dates in strata…or at least, I start to! Post 1 of 2, second to follow in a few days.

16/07/2024

Come and visit me at Stanton Library on the 1st Friday of every month where I'll be available to help owners, committee members, and anyone else with their strata questions!

There are no costs and no obligations so feel free to drop past and share any strata issues that you are grappling with.

I'm not a lawyer but I have pretty much seen it all so, if nothing else, I can help point you in the right direction.

Get your strata living questions answered by Edward Baker from Responsive Strata Management at our free drop-in help desk.

09/07/2024

We have been featured in the June edition of The NSW Strata Magazine. You can view our content, along with other relevant NSW content in this edition here:

The NSW Strata Magazine is published monthly. The FREE publications contain all of the latest NSW strata title information for strata living.

30/06/2024