(NB: There are several readers letters at the end of this article) It seems a great pity that, when the Office of Fair Trading doing its best to provide a service that reflects the importance of strata to this city and state, the branch of consumer complaints that can actually make a difference is stuck [...]

(SEE UPDATE AT END OF COLUMN) There should be a special word for the selfish few who sponge off their neighbours by not paying their levies until the bailiffs come knocking. Levy-swervers, perhaps? Levy leeches? Strata-slackers? Whatever they’re called, you can make them pay – if you’re determined. QUESTION: Our strata managers have informed us [...]

Here at Flatchat Mansions, we’re sure that if you counted up the number of times different subjects were raised, parking would be numero uno. We’re not going check those figures because we’re too busy defending ordinary apartment dwellers against … well, quite often it’s themselves, really. QUESTION: I am enclosing my double carspot which is [...]

It’s a grey area of strata living – is a strata plan a collection of homes or effectively a business? And if it is a business, do we have to abide by business laws? QUESTION: We are in a block of about 30 units including three shops. Last year our strata managers introduced an annual [...]

Never let the facts get in the way of a good story. The report a few weeks ago in another newspaper that you could go to jail for drying your washing on your balcony was puerile nonsense masquerading as news. The shock and horror was that standard Office of Fair Trading strata by-laws stop you [...]