Learn more

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

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Glossary

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 […]

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For owner occupiers

The quality of your life in a strata complex and the value of your investment will be significantly affected by the work of your strata company and council of owners. Strata companies have the power to get things done and make a difference, but they don’t automatically have means of doing so: they need people to attend […]

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For landlords

Many people buy strata units as investments and rent them out. Most complexes contain a mix of owner-occupied and rented units. If you rent out a unit you own, be aware that you are responsible for many aspects of the behaviour of your tenants. For example, if your tenants damage common property and don’t pay for it, the […]

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For tenants

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 […]

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For strata companies

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 […]

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How do i know if my Strata Manager is Accredited?

In the below link you will find the Accreditation pathway that the Richardson Strata Management Team is currently undertaking. The Accreditation is provided by our industry body Strata Community association (WA) and each member is held to SCAWA’s Code of Conduct. Accreditation-Pathway-2 Please refer to the “Meet the Team” tab to view what level of […]

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Who’s in charge?

The owners of units in a strata title complex are ultimately in charge of how their complex is run. Of course, they have to abide by the requirements of the Strata Titles Act 1985 and other pieces of legislation that affect property and owners generally. Local government authorities (councils) have the most regulations affecting strata […]

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How strata works

The WA Strata Titles Act 1985 allows more than one unit to be built on a single piece of land and for the units to be owned directly by different people (rather than everyone having a share in all units). The Act requires that a strata company be formed to manage the complex as a […]

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Levies and other costs

Most strata companies charge regular levies to each owner, to cover their costs. This is a class of cost that does not exist with detached housing. Depending on the complex, it can be significant. Elevators add a lot to costs, pools contribute too. Complexes with a large number of units may have slightly lower levies […]

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