Your Strata Property With Amanda Farmer

For more than 20 years the Owners Corporation Network (OCN) has been the independent voice of strata owners. In this chat, vice chair and director Tom Belsham says that the unique aspects of strata ownership have been poorly understood by our state government for too long. Tom takes us through the ten key issues the OCN is urging government to commit to taking action on, ahead of the NSW state election.

If you've ever experienced a pipe blockage in a building due to "flushable" toilet wipes...this is the episode for you. Jonathan Nykel of The Drain Man joins me to explain how old or damaged drains in residential buildings can be rehabilitated without digging, turning an otherwise major project into a simple fix and saving buildings thousands of dollars.

I'm joined by fellow strata lawyer, Allison Benson. Allison recently appeared in the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal on behalf of an owners corporation seeking to enforce its cost recovery by-laws. In this chat, we discuss the Tribunal's decision, how that decision may impact future attempts by OCs to recover costs from lot owners, and the prospect of legislative reform to better protect buildings troubled by serial by-law breachers. 

In my first chat with Reena Van Aalst for 2023, we cover: - why strata managers need to be checking the ASIC register before contractors are engaged, - just how far the definition of 'cosmetic work' might (or might not) extend, - a successful storage cage swap, and - a Christmas win for an unfairly sidelined owner. 

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.