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It’s a David and Goliath story; one woman’s battle against her inner-city apartment’s bylaws to stop her pet dog ‘Angus’ getting evicted turned into a five-year battle and resulted in a successful ruling at the NSW Court of Appeal.
Last month, Sydney resident Jo Cooper rejoiced when her luxury apartment building was forced to overturn it’s no-pets bylaw after the NSW Court ruled that a blanket ban was “harsh, unconscionable or oppressive”, and that the bylaw also restricted the lawful use of each lot, as long as it didn’t infringe on other residents. While this decision isn’t a green light for all apartment residents to run out and purchase a new animal companion, it does mean that if they live in a building with a blanket ban on pets, they can now go to the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT) to have the bylaw overturned.
The ruling is significant not only for the dog lovers of NSW but for the gatekeepers of residential apartments - our strata managers - as it sets a precedent for future changes to bylaws that they will have to keep on top of. In a recent Financial Review articleSharon Levy, a partner at Bartier Perry Lawyers who represented Cooper in her case, said that this ruling could cause significant challenges to what bylaws owners’ corporations can impose on apartment owners in the future. It also highlights the ever-changing nature of legislation within the property industry.
While the pro-pet breakthrough has been well publicised in mainstream media, this is only one of the many changes to strata legislation that has occurred over the last month. In the ACT alone, changes to the Unit Titles (Management) Act (2011)came into effect on Sunday, November 1 which in addition to adopting a pet-friendly rule, will allow strata committees to split budgets between commercial and residential properties, allow improvements that have environmental benefits and ensure that minutes of meetings to owners are provided within 14 days. Meanwhile, in NSW the state government are preparing to enforce a new Code of Conduct for hosts, guests, letting agents and online booking platforms in the short-term rental accommodation industry from December 18, 2020. Similar changes in laws and the introduction of new laws occur on a regular basis and can vary depending on the state.
Within facilities and strata management, the key duties revolve around ensuring a built environment (both residential and commercial) are insured, compliant with local laws, being maintained and that the properties’ administration is up-to-date and accurate. This can’t be achieved effectively without keeping a ‘finger on the pulse’ in regard to the laws, trends and forecasts that impact the property sector. Changes might be economic, financial, or cultural but if they can potentially impact the residents or civilians associated with a building, it becomes the strata manager’s responsibility to know and provide adequate advice on these changes.
This isn’t an easy feat and for all involved that work within the strata industry, keeping abreast of changes to legislation requires guidance from Australia’s key governing bodies, which are responsible for supporting the professionals and organisations involved in the operational management of Australia’s built environments. Some of these include The Facilities Management Association (FMA) which has branches throughout Australia, the Strata Community Association and the Government consumer regulators, which all have branches throughout the Australian states.
Design & Build spoke with the SCA NSW Strata Community Manager of the Year 2020, Jessica Kaye who Design & Build have had the pleasure of placing in her current role. Jess shared her thoughts and advice on keeping up with the latest regulations, adapting bylaws when situations change and working with Australia’s key governing bodies to ensure they are providing relevant and effective advice to their stakeholders:
“Compliance is at the crux of what we do and one of our core obligations to our clients. In what has been an incredibly challenging year, our communities are in desperate need for clear, practical and empathetic guidance. We are fortunate to work in an industry with an active industry body and many excellent thought leaders who provide timely and constructive advice when key legislation/regulatory changes occur.
The key to cementing our position as trusted advisors to stakeholders and providing peace of mind to our clients is to leverage off the experience of others, to be communicative, open minded and to tap into the multiple resources provided industry wide. This is incredibly important given the nature of our constantly evolving industry.
My advice in staying up to date with legislation? Don’t hesitate to sign up for that newsletter, or subscribe to that mailing list. Participate in the conversation, be active in your teams, on your platforms, in your industry and community. In ensuring and promoting active participation and engagement, we will only be able to better our communities and ensure better compliance.”
Certainly, in today’s current climate with the pandemic having so many far-reaching effects on the Australian economy, keeping up to date with legislation and checking in with the state and national governing bodies has never been so important and will be crucial for strata managers heading into 2021.
For strata managers seeking new opportunities, wanting further jobseeker advice or wishing to gain a better understanding on any of the information listed above, reach out to Aaron for a confidential chat:
Email: aaron@designandbuild.com.au
Phone: 0410 457 057
Linkedin: Aaron Petrilli
As a result of continued growth an opportunity exists for an experienced strata Manager to join this progressive and dynamic team. We are searching for somebody to oversee a portfolio of mixed-use, residential and new developments. This is a sensational opportunity to work for a market leader who are progressive, innovative and setting the benchmark within our Strata industry. About the role: Ensure proper control & maintenance of all aspects of portfolio in accordance with statutory requirements Provide high quality service to Owners Corporations & Strata Committee Building and maintaining excellent relationships with clients Making management decisions relating to the portfolio Prepare meeting agendas, notices & minutes Attend and chair committee meetings Prompt follow up & resolution of inquiries & complaints To be successful in this role you will have: Previous experience managing a diverse portfolio Excellent time management skills A strong attention to detail and strong time management skills Ability to work well autonomously as well as within a team Friendly, personable and approachable personality A current COR within strata or license Please phone Aaron Petrilli directly on (02) 9376 8200 for a confidential discussion about this or any other opportunities within strata or real estate. Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/designandbuildrecruitment Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/design.build.recruit/ Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/design-&-build-recruitment/ Check us out on Google: https://bit.ly/2whfDMO
Looking for an experienced Strata Manager to join this dominant brand. You will be backed by an excellent brand who have a great long standing reputation who will provide you with professional and personal growth opportunities. As the new Strata Manager your responsibilities will include; Managing a portfolio of buildings and advising clients in accordance with relevant legislation. Going out and meeting developers and new potential business Attending meetings and providing advice as required Budgeting, preparing invoices, dispute resolution and writing agendas and minutes Arranging proper and adequate insurances Providing a customer-focused strata service and minimising the loss of buildings To be considered for the position of Strata Manager you must have the following; Experience managing a variety of buildings Have excellent business acumen MUST be a people person as will be faced with a variety of clientele and diverse schemes The ability to take ownership of a property portfolio and make it your own Proven resilience and the ability to work under pressure Professional written and verbal communication skills For any questions relating to this role or other opportunities with D&B and our clients please contact Aaron Petrilli on (02) 9376 8200 or click apply. Your application will be treated as strictly confidential. Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/designandbuildrecruitment Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/design.build.recruit/ Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/design-&-build-recruitment/ Check us out on Google: https://bit.ly/2whfDMO
As a result of continued growth an opportunity exists for an experienced strata Manager to join this progressive and dynamic team. We are searching for somebody to oversee a diverse high end portfolio. This is a sensational opportunity to work for a market leader who are progressive, innovative and absolutely set the benchmark in professional excellence. About the opportunity: A model structured and geared towards true relationship management Building and maintaining excellent relationships with clients Dedicated assistants and ample support - no work orders Budgets prepared for you and no work orders to do! Chairing and attending all OC meetings Prompt follow up and resolution of inquiries To be successful in this role as Senior Strata Manager you will have: Prior experience managing BMC's and complex schemes preferred Excellent time management skills Tertiary qualifications in law or finance highly regarded A strong attention to detail and strong time management skills Ability to work well autonomously as well as within the team Ability to connect and build rapport with a diverse demographic Thorough knowledge of legislation and strong written & verbal communication skills Please phone Aaron Petrilli directly on (02) 9376 8200 for a confidential discussion about this or any other opportunities within strata or real estate. Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/designandbuildrecruitment Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/design.build.recruit/ Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/design-&-build-recruitment/ Check us out on Google: https://bit.ly/2whfDMO
Our client is a highly reputable educational institution located in Sydney. The role of the Property Services Scheduler is to perform a wide range of tasks to support the day to day operations across the campus. Your role will be both challenging and varied working closely with the Divisional Head you will track, schedule and forecast maintenance and operations work across the facility. As the Property Services Scheduler your responsibilities will include: Managing and coordinating contractor compliance Collating and organising new & existing Facilities files. Generating and preparing documentation/reports, minutes and action lists Assisting with minor works tenders. Assisting with Engage invoicing including validating requests to ensure clarity of scope, timing, and delivery Ensure invoice costs are matched with service scopes and validated in a timely manner. Liaise with service providers to ensure timely actioning and completion of all requests or services Ensuring all statutory maintenance requirements are executed and documented via the compliance calendar. Involvement in continuous improvement of activities and projects Actively liaise with service providers to manage and control site access, inspection times and servicing schedules Assist with the coordination and maintenance of contractor insurances and licensing information To be successful in the role of Property Services Scheduler ideally you will have experience in the following: Prior experience as a property services Scheduler or similar role Previous experience using a CMMS Proficient in MS Office, with advanced knowledge of Excel. Working knowledge of Google Docs. Knowledge of project and task management tools. Previous experience in administration, scheduling and/or planning Exposure and experience within fire or essential services will be highly regarded Knowledge of the regulations, Australian building codes and standards A minimum of 3 years in a similar position Strong organisational, administration and time management skills Exceptional written and verbal communication skills Well-developed customer service and interpersonal skills with a focus on building and maintaining relationships Demonstrated analytical and trouble shooting skills The ability to comprehend and address/solve, unstructured problems quickly and efficiently If this sounds like your next role then I would love lo hear from you. Please contact Aaron Petrilli on (02)9376 8200 for a confidential discussion or click apply. Your application will be treated as strictly confidential. Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/designandbuildrecruitment Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/design.build.recruit/ Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/design-&-build-recruitment/ Check us out on Google: https://bit.ly/2whfDMO
Our client is a highly reputable boutique strata company based in South West Sydney who have a strong reputation for operating with a high level of integrity and offer a fantastic, friendly office culture. As a result of continued growth they are searching for an additional Strata Manager to join their team. About the role: Ensure proper control & maintenance of all aspects of portfolio in accordance with statutory requirements Provide high quality service to Owners Corporations & Strata Committee Building and maintaining excellent relationships with clients Making management decisions relating to the portfolio Prepare meeting agendas, notices & minutes Chair meetings Prompt follow up & resolution of inquiries & complaints Initiate & maintain insurance claims & quotations Coordinate & assess repairs, maintenance & replacement of property To be successful in this role you will have: Previous experience managing a diverse portfolio Excellent time management skills A strong attention to detail and strong time management skills Ability to work well autonomously as well as within a team Friendly and personable with a great sense of humour! Please phone Aaron Petrilli directly on (02) 9376 8200 for a confidential discussion about this or any other opportunities within strata. Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/designandbuildrecruitment Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/design.build.recruit/ Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/design-&-build-recruitment/ Check us out on Google: https://bit.ly/2whfDMO
Our client is a highly reputable boutique strata company based in South West Sydney who have a strong reputation for operating with a high level of integrity and offer a fantastic, friendly office culture. As a result of continued growth they are searching for an additional Strata Manager to join their team. About the role: Ensure proper control & maintenance of all aspects of portfolio in accordance with statutory requirements Provide high quality service to Owners Corporations & Strata Committee Building and maintaining excellent relationships with clients Making management decisions relating to the portfolio Prepare meeting agendas, notices & minutes Chair meetings Prompt follow up & resolution of inquiries & complaints Initiate & maintain insurance claims & quotations Coordinate & assess repairs, maintenance & replacement of property To be successful in this role you will have: Previous experience managing a diverse portfolio Excellent time management skills A strong attention to detail and strong time management skills Ability to work well autonomously as well as within a team Friendly and personable with a great sense of humour! Please phone Aaron Petrilli directly on (02) 9376 8200 for a confidential discussion about this or any other opportunities within strata. Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/designandbuildrecruitment Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/design.build.recruit/ Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/design-&-build-recruitment/ Check us out on Google: https://bit.ly/2whfDMO