SSKB and MBA Lawyers previously hosted a Strata Seminar where Solicitor Clayton Glenister spoke regarding Owners Corporation advice on the three P’s: pets, parking and parties.
With the festive season in full swing there is no better time for SSKB to educate our clients on the three P’s as festive season means more parties, pets, family time and more!
Pets
As the old saying goes, pets aren’t just for Christmas, they are for life. Coming into the Christmas season many families have puppies, kittens, fish and other pets on their list.
The process for applying for a pet in a Strata scheme usually involves submitting a form with details regarding the pet such as age, breed, insurance etc. This form will then need to be approved usually by the owner of the lot and the Committee. At SSKB we have made applying for pet applications quick and easy by creating online forms that can be filled out and signed digitally. If you are getting a pet this Christmas, click on the form below for your relevant state.
QLD – Pet application form
NSW – Pet application form
VIC – Pet application form
Are you getting a new furry friend this Christmas? Comment below what animal you are bringing into your family in the comment section of the article!
Each Strata scheme is different and has its own by-laws regarding animals so reading your schemes by-laws is always a good place to start. Alternatively, your Owners Corporation Manager will be able to provide you with any information on the by-laws regarding pets in your strata scheme.
Some of the key points from Clayton Glenisters presentation included:
- There is no such thing as a blanket ‘no pet’ ban in an Owners Corporation.
- The best way to control pets in a building is to ensure the Owners Corporation has a strong set of By-laws which places reasonable restrictions on pets.
- By-laws should be regularly updated to ensure they are still relevant.
Parking
Christmas is the season of festivities and Strata properties are great places to host.
When inviting your guests to attend your celebrations it is a great opportunity to let them know the best ways for them to travel to your apartment and if they are driving, where to park.
Let your guests know if there is any street parking available nearby or any car parks that are within walking distance. There may be limited amounts of visitor parking available over the Christmas period, so it is best to have back-up options for your guests.
Parties
As Christmas and the New Year approaches, Strata communities see the common property being utilised more frequently. While festivities are more than welcome in strata properties, residents must be mindful of their neighbours.
Clayton Glenister made the following points at the seminar:
- Parties must comply with Council restrictions.
- If a party turns into a local authority issue, Police should be contacted if required, not left for Committees and Owners Corporation to handle.
If you are considering taking advantage of your schemes roof top this New Years Eve, it is important that you check with your scheme if you need to register for a spot on the roof top. If every resident has the same idea to invite their friends and family to the roof top to enjoy the firework display, as you can imagine, not everyone will fit, and it will become unsafe.
Have you read your by-laws?
Every scheme has different by-laws in relation to parking, pets and parties. SSKB recommends you read the by-laws specific to your scheme. It may be a good idea to inform your guests of certain rules when you invite them to ensure there are no complaints and all residents are kept happy.
It is a good idea to start checking your by-laws now so you can organise your festivities and check with your Owners Corporation Manger if there are any rules you don’t understand.
We hope all of our clients enjoy their celebrations this festive season.
If you’re unhappy with your current Strata Manager and would like a fresh start for your scheme in the New Year, click here to request a quote.
