Property owners new to strata are often surprised by the complex rules around renovation approvals. This episode is for those owners (and those guiding them). I reveal how I structure my own thinking about strata renovation work, from internal painting to air conditioning units to complete bathroom renos, and share access to some helpful resources, both for owners corporations and owners, to ensure a smoother renovation project for all.

In our first podcast episode for the year, I’m sharing the 5 most popular episodes of 2022 - in case you missed them, need a recap, or are looking for a great place to start if you’re new to our world.

In this, our last podcast episode for the year, Reena and I discuss: the building that can't get public liability insurance for its heritage property the dangers of strata managers actioning legal matters without instructions or legal advice a few key principles for those managing Building Management Committees (BMCs). I'll be back with the first podcast episode of 2023 on 4 January. I wish you a lovely, restful festive season. 

Robin Johnson of Hutch Underwriting joins me to explain how his company’s new offering is delivering better strata insurance outcomes for owners corporations in the middle of a “dysfunctional” market.

Brent Anderson and James Milne work for the largest property management company in North America - and the largest strata management company in British Columbia, Canada (and YES, they do use the term 'strata' in BC). In this chat, we discuss: - the many similarities between strata in Australia and strata in BC, as well as the few differences; - what it means to "pay with your patience" - what the micro democracies within our fourth layer of government need to succeed and more.

Michael Ferrier of Eyeon Property Inspections shares his assessment of the quality of strata books and records, explaining how transparent record keeping adds to property values. He encourages owners to take responsibility for their own records, and he's even got a system to help us do precisely that.

Reena and I discuss: - whose responsibility it is to reimburse stolen funds in the event of a cyber fraud incident, - when the minutes may not be an accurate reflection of what occurred at a meeting, - the communities taking their 'corporate responsibilities' seriously, - a strata manager's perspective on why strata communities must stay 'match-fit', and how they can do so. I also ask the question: did Reena FINALLY get a puppy? Tune in to find out.

Strata lot owners Brenton Pittman and Lynette Cartwright are fresh from an NCAT victory, brandishing orders that ban their downstairs neighbours from smoking on their balcony, and require the smokers to ensure that smoke does not enter Brenton and Lynette's home. In this chat, Brenton walks me through their hard-fought battle (which took 3 separate sets of Tribunal proceedings) and answers my question "was it all worth it?"

A little while ago, I surveyed some of my audience, asking the question "what did you wish you had known before buying into strata?" Veronica Morgan and Chris Bates have featured the answers I received in their latest episode of @The Elephant in the Room Property Podcast. They have generously allowed me to share this interview with you.

Cath Hewitt, from the award-winning City Towers building in Perth, shares how her community is successfully using Short Term Action Groups (STAGs) to engage owners and complete enviable projects.

This week, my guest is....me. A few weeks ago, Emily Bobis interviewed me for her podcast Byte Size. Today I'm sharing that interview with you. We discuss electric vehicle charging in strata: what the obstacles are and why we must overcome them.

Reena joins me to discuss: - surprises after settlement: what happens when a new owner wasn’t made aware of significant OC debts before they bought? - the new regulations making meetings easier, in more ways than one.

Andrew Boss of Austrata Finance joins me to explain the "Holy Grail" of strata lending - hybrid loans - and share how his company's product gives strata owners the financial flexibility they've always wanted. =

Michael Teys joins me for a "grown-up conversation" about extraordinary new laws destined to commence in NSW, which will finally hold owners corporations to account for their failure to comply with repair and maintenance duties. We cover: low strata levies as a sign of poor governance, why strata property owners need to take a good hard look at themselves as corporate citizens with unavoidable legal duties, why Michael is tired of hearing that committee members are volunteers, the need to cut the 'weasel speak' from the strata industry and start some plain talking, and so much more.

In this episode Donna Carroll, a strata manager of more than 20 years' experience, responds to my controversial episode no. 327 ("Peter Blows the Whistle on Overcharging Strata Managers"). We discuss: why strata managers charge the way they do the need for owner education the "inadequate" training some strata managers receive the call for a dedicated strata commissioner, and more.

Reena and I discuss the trouble with Google reviews, while Reena gives her own review of my recent episode featuring strata manager Peter Wilson. I share some tips for owners wanting to get their bathroom reno across the line at a general meeting.

Barbara Gill, the general manager of Garage Sale Trail, joins me to explain how our apartment residents can get involved in the nation's largest garage sale. In doing so, Barbara shares a frightening statistic that puts Australia second only to the United States...

Strata manager Peter Wilson regularly inherits the management of small buildings from large management companies. In this chat, he reveals how these buildings are often being charged for services they don’t need, including the lodgement of tax returns and BAS when they have no taxable income and aren’t registered for GST. He calls for more honesty, transparency and competition in the sector, so that owners can receive the personalised service they deserve.

This week: - Reena Van Aalst describes the frustration of a new owner who has been waiting too long for her strata committee to make a decision about her renovation works, - I answer the question: what happens when no one nominates for the committee? - With Reena’s intervention, an owner gets their carpet replaced by the OC, and - We share an opportunity for your building to saves thousands per year on running costs.

Angelique Mentis of thatsmyspot.com.au joins me to discuss: - the innovation that's relieving committee members from their roles as parking cops - why building managers are wasting up to 15% of their time addressing parking problems  - the value of the parking data that will soon be collected around the world - why smart buildings have a "digital twin" and more. 

James Burgin shares how his self-managed block of 6 in Bondi became a “joy to come home to” after a surprisingly affordable cosmetic upgrade, which has dramatically increased the value of each apartment. What’s more, his community is now more collaborative than ever before.

I'm sharing 4 must-know facts about 2-lot strata plans, relevant to: - voting - insurance - repairs and maintenance - strata committees

Reena and I discuss: - the perfect storm of events that is forcing managers to seek “quotes to get quotes” - the elderly Earlwood couple bailed out of their “cruel” strata levies with public donations - a little known Tribunal procedure, and - what some owners wished they had known before buying in to strata.

Why are some strata owners telling me that their strata manager is making decisions they do not support? What is the "advise vs decide dichotomy"? These questions answered and more, in today's short episode.

More Australians than ever before are now living in strata and community titled developments. Today, I'm acknowledging the various challenges this melting pot of needs, interests and agendas brings, plus providing some solutions. TIP: there's a deadline nestling in this episode - don't miss it ;-)  

Reena and I cover: - whether an owner making a 'qualified request' for a general meeting can dictate the date and method of the meeting - how unequal unit entitlements can lead to dysfunctional communities - the joys of strata management (yes, really) - why I'm thanking listeners this week

Trevor Rawnsley of ARAMA explains how the "management rights" model works and responds to its critics. We discuss what makes a good on-site residential manager, why communities often misunderstand the role, and what to do when things go wrong.

I recently appeared on "A Current Affair", speaking in support of the installation of equipment that will ensure that a wheelchair-bound 92-year-old man has safe access to his apartment. Having watched, with interest, the discussion sparked by that story, this week I'm covering discrimination law and strata: does it apply in our residential buildings? If so, how? And perhaps more importantly: should it?

Reena and I cover: - what happens when a committee member does not disclose their financial interest in a works contract that's up for approval - why EV charging and other "sustainability infrastructure" can be approved even if no one votes in favour of it - the compulsory management appointment that took Reena by surprise - a lot owner's by-law success before the Tribunal

Zinc Apartments in Sydney's Alexandria recently installed electric vehicle charging infrastructure, making it available to all residents with a parking space. Strata committee member Nathan Hage shares why his community prioritised this issue and steps us through the process.