International Condo & HOA News
- Bahamas: DPM to monitor February Point, homeowners’ concerns April 23, 2024Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Tourism, Investments and Aviation, and Member of Parliament for Exuma Chester Cooper said he will monitor the progress of negotiations and conversations between the owners of February Point and its homeowners, who say they have no idea where the private development is headed since it was bought by a private developer ten years ago. Read the article…………………………….
- Malaysia: Strata residents raise issue of cohabitation with pets April 21, 2024K. DIANA resides in a condominium in Petaling Jaya, Selangor where she recently welcomed an abandoned toy poodle into her home. She claims that the well-behaved pooch poses no disturbance to her neighbours as it remains indoors. Three months after bringing the dog home, Diana received a notice from condominium management instructing her to remove her pet. Read the article…………………………….
- Australia: ‘Completely blindsided’: new owners of strata properties shocked by special levies April 21, 2024About three months after Jake* and his partner bought their apartment in Sydney, they faced an unexpected bill of more than $100,000. It was a special levy for major repairs needed to fix problems with the building’s waterproofing, but it was not flagged in the strata report or the previous year’s annual meeting minutes that had informed their decision to buy the apartment. Read the article…………………………….
- Australia: ACIL report exposes strata insurance regulatory gaps April 18, 2024The Australian Consumers Insurance Lobby (ACIL) has published an in-depth report revealing the gaps in the strata insurance sector…..The report noted uncertainty among respondents about which regulatory body is responsible for overseeing the sector. This confusion underscores the pressing need for clearer governance and regulatory frameworks. Read the article…………………………….
- Australia: Strata manager sacked after avoiding jail time over elaborate $58k rental scam April 18, 2024A man who avoided jail time after defrauding Australians out of $58,000 in an elaborate rental scam has been sacked from his job as a strata manager. Last month, news.com.au reported that Sydney-based Scott Jeffries pleaded guilty to 22 counts of fraud after pretending to run rental inspections at properties he did not own, and taking deposit money off 20 victims over a period of 18 months. Read the article…………………………….
- Bahamas: Old Fort Bay developer secures win in legal battle with homeowners’ association, celebrates hard-fought victory April 17, 2024The developer, The Old Fort Bay Company Limited, represented by attorney Gail Lockhart Charles KC, noted in a statement that the Court of Appeal in its ruling had categorically rejected the Association’s attempt to claim ownership of the Old Fort Bay Club, Pineapple Grove, the beach reserve, and other areas of land within the Old Fort Bay development (including the land near the security gates). Read the article…………………………….
- Australia: Insurances, Commissions and Kickbacks in our Strata & Community Title Schemes April 15, 2024The fact that in the 2015 strata reforms it was felt necessary to include a new provision requiring strata managing agents to disclose commissions and training and to prohibit the receipt of gifts over $60.00 (see sections 57(2) & 60 of the Strata Schemes Management Act 2015 (“SSMA”)) shows that this has been an ongoing problem. Read the article…………………………….
International Condo & HOA News Archives
International Condo & HOA Articles
- Columbia: Who is responsible if a private asset suffers damage within the horizontal property? March 5, 2024The regulation indicates that the effects can be assumed by the co-owner or the administration, depending on the areas where the damage occurs. Living in condominiums poses greater challenges to maintaining harmony in the community. Although there are some facilities such as common spaces and security, there are also differences between neighbors or situations of damage to private property that can be generated by sharing some areas. Read the article…………………………….
- Netherlands: The Dutch homeowner’s association (VvE) explained December 6, 2023I’ve come across several cases recently in which buyers have been hit with unexpected bills, but this can be avoided if you are aware of your rights and obligations with regard to the VvE. Your makelaar (real estate agent) and notary are better placed than I am to help you with questions about the VvE for a particular property, but there are some general things you should know. Read the article……………………………….
- Australia: Why do Good Owners make Bad Strata Decisions? November 17, 2023Even though strata buildings are full of good, smart and well-intentioned people, they don’t always make great decisions. And sometimes strata buildings delay important decisions or, worse still, actually make really bad decisions. Why is that and what dynamics create those kinds of counterinitiative outcomes? The many potential reasons for the phenomenon should be studied by experts. Read the article…………………………………
- Turks and Caicos Islands: A Guide To Purchasing Property October 2, 2023Purchasing a property can be one of the most stressful experiences in life, especially when also contending with a foreign country and unfamiliar jurisdiction. However, purchasing your dream property on a paradise island may not be as complicated or scary as you think. We have set out below a guide to the main steps involved when purchasing a property in the Turks and Caicos Islands (“TCI”). Read the article…………………………………
- Europe: Mastering the Art of Strata Management Transformation September 20, 2023Strata management, often regarded as the backbone of well-run residential complexes, is a multifaceted discipline with a profound impact on daily life. For residents in condominiums or apartment complexes, the seamless operation and maintenance of these properties are attributed to the art of strata management. Far from a simple task, strata management involves a meticulous blend of responsibilities aimed at fostering a harmonious coexistence among residents. Read the article………………………..
- Australia: Demystifying Unit Entitlement (WA) August 16, 2023If you’re a proud strata owner in Western Australia, understanding “Unit Entitlement” (UE) is vital. This term plays a pivotal role in defining your rights, responsibilities, and financial commitments within WA’s unique strata landscape. In this article, we’ll delve into the intricacies of Unit Entitlement as outlined by the current Strata Titles Act in Western Australia. Read the article………………………..
- Australia: Don’t You Dare Sue Me – Overstepping the Mark August 16, 2023Is it legitimate for a lot owner to pressure an owners corporation not to sue her or defend legal action she takes against the owners corporation? And what happens when the lot owner oversteps the mark? Can the owner be held in contempt of court? A recent NCAT case considered that very issue. Read the article………………………..