THE Quezon City government will inspect businesses located inside subdivisions following the deadly August 31 fire that razed a house that was converted into a business establishment. Read the article………………………..
Bahamas: Lucayan Towers South board submit proposal to transform deteriorating condominium – GBPA grants brief extension
THE Lucayan Towers South board has submitted a proposal to the Grand Bahama Port Authority to transform the deteriorating condominium. Last month, the GBPA issued a “final notice” to the condominium association board, demanding it disclose a plan in 30 days to address purported code violations and safety hazards or have its certificate of occupancy […]
Australia: Strata Companies facing calls to offer hardship arrangements
Skyrocketing Strata fees are sending a growing number of homeowners….. bankrupt Watch the video report……………………………….
Australia: Strata managers struggling with verbal abuse and long hours
Strata managers are increasingly facing difficult working conditions, with nearly two-thirds facing verbal abuse from both owners and tenants on top of long hours. Read the article………………………..
Singapore: ‘Deserted ghost town’: Johor Country Garden condo residents concerned over unfinished projects amid China developer’s debt crisis
A bustling, futuristic metropolis with spacecraft-shaped towers draped in greenery is what the area around the Forest City residential project in Johor Bahru should look like today. But it remains a mirage for Singaporean Chee Pei Lin, four years after moving into her two-bedroom apartment there that she paid RM700,000 (S$204,779) for in 2019. Read […]
Australia: Dealing with Adjoining Owners
Strata disputes and common property come in all shapes and sizes, especially when dealing with neighbouring property owners. As owners of real property, owners corporations find themselves dealing with the owners of neighbouring land in a multitude of circumstances. Read the article………………………..
Malaysia: Princess Cove condo strata titles were delayed, rules court
A High Court here has found a China-owned developer of luxury condominiums in breach of contract for failing to deliver strata titles to unit owners within the timeline prescribed in the sale and purchase agreement (SPA) they entered into. Read the article………………………..
Australia: Strata Management Statements and the Strata Schemes Management Act 2015: Inconsistencies in Owners Corporations’ rights (NSW)
The case of Walker Corporation Pty Ltd v The Owners – Strata Plan No 61618 [2023] NSWCA 125 highlights the importance of ensuring Strata Management Statements (SMS) are in accordance with the Strata Schemes Management Act 2015 (NSW) (SSMA) and the Strata Schemes Development Act 2015 (NSW) (SSDA). A clause in a SMS that acts […]
Australia: Don’t You Dare Sue Me – Overstepping the Mark
Is 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 […]
South Africa: Until race-based legislation is transparent, mistrust won’t dissipate
An innovative way to create jobs for previously disadvantaged people? Or, as the Democratic Alliance claim, a scheme aimed at capturing gated communities for B-BBEE companies connected to cadres”? Read the article………………………..
Why Insurers Are Reducing Coverage In Florida, California
The insurance industry is becoming increasingly sensitive to the effects of climate change on their businesses. Some insurers are reducing coverage or new policies in California and Florida. This raises difficult questions about the future of doing business in certain regions of the United States, too. Read the article………………………..
Singapore: Fault lines: A look at defect resolution in condos
CRACKS and leaks, rotting timber, foul smells, flooding in public areas – these are a few of the reported defects that have surfaced at private condos over the decades. With the allegations come accusations, which inevitably put developers, main contractors and homeowners at loggerheads. Read the article………………………..
Thailand: Condo Ruling Could Affect Financing
The Ashton Asoke case, in which the condo was ordered to have its construction permit revoked, will have an impact on property developers who depend on issuing debt instruments and securing loans for funding,… Read the article………………………..
Philippines: Beverly Hills homeowners have right to regulate entry to their subdivision
WHAT JUST HAPPENED regarding the controversy between the Beverly Homeowners Association on one hand and the Cebu City Government and commuters using or wanting to use subdivision roads on the other: Mayor Michael Rama reportedly gave a “marching order” to start “recovering all public roads” that have been used “exclusively” by some subdivisions in the […]
Australia: The one thing you need to know before you buy in Queensland
Laura Bos, general manager of the Queensland wing of Strata Community Association (SCAQ), the strata managers’ and service providers’ professional body, says the Queensland government needs to live up to a promise made to fix the state’s seriously out-of-date body corporate laws. Read the article………………………..
Thailand: Residents promised aid in Asoke condo drama
Twenty residents led by Pornchai Lertsathittayapong sought legal assistance from the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) on Wednesday, after the 6-billion-baht luxury condo’s permit was retroactively… Read the article………………………..
Australia: Is your Building Missing a few Strata Dollars? (NSW)
You’d think that strata buildings would notice if money is missing, given how frugal they are. But, in NSW there’s more than half a million dollars of uncollected strata money just sitting around in government coffers. Read on to find out how and why that’s happened, and, what strata buildings can do about it. Read […]
India: Residents Live In Fear As Ceilings Fall, Cracks Appear In Chennai Apartments
Over 300 families in a posh 17-storey apartment complex in Chennai are living in constant fear as parts of the buildings’ roof have collapsed due to poor construction work. Read the article………………………..
Thailand: Clear Up City Condo Mess
The Supreme Administrative Court ruling on Ashton Asoke, an upscale high-rise condominium, has sent shockwaves among Bangkok project developers. The ruling last Thursday invalidated the construction permit… Read the article………………………..
Australia: Preventing Winter Fire Hazards
Winter is well and truly upon us and statistics show that almost half of unit fires are started in the kitchen and 58% of all fire fatalities occur in winter. With winter well and truly here, let’s take the time to brush up of safety measures and be prepared if you haven’t already to reduce […]
Malaysia: Controversial takeover attempt of JB condo management stopped by cops
An attempt by a new management corporation (MC) to remove the existing joint management body (JMB) of a high-end condominium here was stopped after police intervention today. Read the article………………………..
Philippines: Residents of a BGC Condo Alarmed After Management Releases Memo to Remove Community Cats
Volunteers and supporters of a group dedicated to caring for community cats of their condominium residence in Bonifacio Global City are voicing out their concern regarding the condo’s management and property developers have reportedly been taking action to remove these cats from its premises. Read the article………………………..
Australia: (Op/Ed) Is it worth paying the volunteers on your apartment committee?
Some argue for paying a little more in your levies to have trained office-bearers, rather than untrained amateurs making big-buck decisions. Read the article………………………..
Australia: 20 years later, Grellman’s Ghost leaves Strata Owners in a Top Place Nightmare (NSW)
Recent news about the collapse of a major NSW developer and builder of strata apartment complexes leaves tens of thousands of strata owners in a building defects nightmare. One of the major causes for their problems is a ghost from 20 years ago that’s still haunting strata stakeholders. And, here’s the sad and sorry tale […]
Australia: Who’s minding the gap in your big strata budget?
As rising living costs and mortgage interest rates bite at our heels, it seems levy (or fee) payments are often among the first financial commitments to suffer when household budgets are recalculated Read the article………………………..
India: Tower H of Chintels also deemed unsafe, B and C are fine
Tower H of the Chintels Paradiso condominium in Sector 109 has been deemed unsafe by experts from IIT-Delhi, according to district officials. The structural audit reports of towers B, C, and H will be shared with homeowners and the residents’ welfare association in the next few days Read the article………………………..
Australia: Apartment owners face strata fee increases of 20 per cent as costs soar
Strata levies paid by apartment owners are up by 15 to 20 per cent on average over the past year as the costs of insurance, utilities and repairs and maintenance outstrip even the rapid rise in general inflation. Read the article………………………..
Australia: The ‘extra obstacle’ for owners clashing with body corporates over building defects (NSW)
The number of people applying for strata scheme mediation has surged by 45 per cent in five years as owners clash with owners corporations over building defects and repairs. Read the article………………………..
Australia: Does Government have a Strata Plan?
Australian strata title buildings, owners, and stakeholders are regulated by extensive & complex strata laws that are created, tweaked, and managed by state governments. But, do those governments have any clear policy objectives, strategies, or medium to long-term plans for strata title, or, are they just reacting to more and more strata buildings crises? And, […]
Bahamas: Lucayan Towers South condo association president refuses to answer questions as GBPA ultimatum looms
THE head of a condominium association responsible for a complex in Freeport that could have its occupancy certificate revoked dismissed questions from a reporter yesterday about the longstanding concern. Read the article………………………..
Australia: Who’s minding the gap in your big strata budget?
Annual strata budgets can run into the millions, yet there are no requirements for office bearers to possess financial or legal skills. Read the article………………………..
Australia: Improving Strata 03: Does Government have a Strata Plan?
Australian strata title buildings, owners, and stakeholders are regulated by extensive & complex strata laws that are created, tweaked, and managed by state governments. But, do those governments have any clear policy objectives, strategies, or medium to long-term plans for strata title, or, are they just reacting to more and more strata buildings crises? And, […]
Philippines: Local business tax on association dues
IT is now undisputed that association dues, membership fees, and other charges collected by a condominium corporation from members are not subject to income tax and value added tax. This was the clear ruling by the Supreme Court in the First E-Bank Tower case (GR 215801). Read the article………………………..
Australia: Apartment owners face strata fee increases of 20 per cent as costs soar
Strata levies paid by apartment owners are up by 15 to 20 per cent on average over the past year as the costs of insurance, utilities and repairs and maintenance outstrip even the rapid rise in general inflation. Read the article………………………..
Netherlands: Three-quarters of apartment owners unhappy with management of homeowners association
Over three-quarters of apartment owners are unhappy with the manager of their homeowners’ association, Vereniging Eigen Huis, the umbrella for homeowners associations, said after analyzing the complaints to its hotline. They complain about bad communication, poor administration, and managers making decisions without consulting the members. Read the article………………………..
Singapore: More buildings putting in AI, smart sensors to manage utilities, cut costs
More buildings in Singapore are using smart systems with sensors and artificial intelligence (AI) to manage their utilities and manpower amid rising costs. These smart facilities management systems are also being used to help buildings go green. Read the article………………………..
Australia: Queensland government proposing changes to strata laws
The Queensland government is proposing a reduction in the number of unit owners needed to agree on a sale of the entire complex. Watch the news report………………………..
Estonia: Residents of fire-damaged flats in legal battle with insurance company
A legal dispute has impeded the reconstruction of an apartment building that was destroyed by fire last year. The residents of the building see the situation as a threat to all apartment buildings in Estonia, but insurance companies and government agencies say no action is required. Read the article………………………..
India: Key Insights into Homeowner Associations: An Overview of Important Information
Homeowner associations (HOAs) play a significant role in many residential communities, governing and managing various aspects of communal living. These associations are formed to maintain property values, establish rules and regulations, and provide shared amenities and services. Read the article………………………..
Sri Lanka: Condos in conflict: Empire vs Tri-Zen
In an action that came up before Colombo District Court Residential Towers Ltd., (TRI-ZEN) at No. 17, Sir Chittampalam A. Gardiner Mawatha, Colombo 02 was restrained from building and or painting the North-West side of their condominium building at No. 5, Baybrooke Place, Colombo 02. Read the article………………………..
Australia: Frustrated neighbours, debt and $1m budgets: High stakes for volunteer strata committees
Understanding “incredibly complex” legislation and maintenance has been a huge learning curve, and trying to get owners to understand costs or participate in subcommittees has been a major hurdle, O’Connell said. Read the article………………………..
Australia: ‘More blocks in danger’ of Mascot Towers-style evacuations
There could be as many as five apartment blocks in NSW teetering on the brink of forced evacuation – as befell both Mascot Towers and Opal Towers four years ago – because their owners corporations (or body corporates) are too scared to come forward and ask for help with building defects. Read the article………………………..
Australia: Owners Corporation – NCAT Enforces By-laws
Does an owners corporation have to enforce its by-laws? If an owners corporation decides to ignore breaches of its by-laws, can NCAT force the owners corporation to take action and enforce its by-laws? A recent NCAT case provides the answer to these questions. Read the article………………………..
Bahamas: Condo headed south: LTS owners and neighbors upset over appearance
The once prestigious and stylish Lucayan Towers South Condominium complex is quickly becoming one of the island’s eyesores as the building continues to deteriorate while authorities appear unwilling or unable to intervene. Balconies are crumbling, liding glass doors are boarded up, there is exposed rebar and derelict cabanas surround the empty pool. Read the article………………………..
Ethiopia: New Tax On Condominium Houses Ignites Controversy, Concerns Arise Over Legal Implications, Potential Social Crisis
The recent implementation of a revised tax rate on condominium house roofs and walls by the Addis Ababa City Administration Revenue Office has sparked a heated debate and raised significant concerns among various stakeholders. Legal experts, financial analysts, and homeowners alike are voicing apprehensions about the potential implications of this tax adjustment, emphasizing the financial […]
Australia: Apartment and townhouse owners report strata fees rising by up to 45 per cent over past year
Australia’s growing population of apartment and townhouse owners say their strata fees have substantially increased in the past year Read the article………………………..
India: 100 fall ill in Gurgaon condo, water to be tested for contamination
Around 100 residents of a society in Sector 83 have fallen ill and complained of diarrhoea, fever and stomach ache over the last seven days. Read the article………………………..
Malaysia: JB condo JMB files police report over alleged illegal AGM
The joint management body (JMB) of a luxury condominium here has lodged a police report against its developer alleging that an annual general meeting (AGM) called for July 2 is unlawful. Read the article………………………..
Dominican Republic: Does the HOA of your building allow Airbnb and other short term rentals?
Airbnb rentals have become hugely popular in the Dominican Republic, with more tourists opting for private residences versus staying in a hotel. According to one report from DR’s Central Bank, Airbnb rentals accounted for nearly 44% of tourist accommodations for the first half of 2022. Read the article………………………..
Australia: Thinking about joining your strata committee? Here’s why you should take the leap
With the increasing popularity of apartment living and the desire to be close to amenities, as many as 1 in 5 Australians now reside in properties under a strata title. Nationally, there are 340,601 strata schemes, with 2,869,845 lots, resulting in an average of 8.4 lots per strata scheme, according to data in the June […]