News
Straight from Hartley’s team, our partners and the Commissioner’s office.
Pet of the Month – Winners Announced
The Pet of the Month is... Name: Lola from Kate Place Lola wins a Hartleys...
Banning Solar Panel Installation in a Body Corporate
A common misconception is that a body corporate is unable to ban solar panel...
BCCMA Changes Start 1 May 2024
The Queensland Government recently announced that the amendments passed into...
Embracing Strata Democracy: The Rise of Online Voting and the Future of Community Decision-Making
Strata democracy is based upon the conviction that there are extraordinary...
The Value of a Trusted Strata Manager in Navigating the Complexity of Strata Insurance
Strata insurance can often feel like navigating a labyrinth of complexities,...
Asbestos Awareness and Compliance: A Crucial Focus for Body Corporate Owners
In recent headlines, the issue of asbestos has once again taken center stage,...
Pet of the Month – Winners Announced
The Pet of the Month is... Name: Ziggy from BAUHINIA VILLAS Ziggy wins a...
Toe the line before you tow.
There’s always a lot of hype in the build-up to legislative change, even when...
Dilapidation Reporting for Strata Property Owners: A whole new approach.
Link to video: https://youtu.be/yJI7Y8yc_Rg In the complex world of...
Lithium-ion batteries in Strata Complexes.
With the increasing prevalence of E Scooters, E-Bikes, and the like in our...
Removing a Pet from a Scheme – What is an Unreasonable Amount of Barking.
Readers may have personally experienced the stress associated with hearing a...
To tow or not to tow – should the Committee seek a declaration from the Commissioner’s Office?
As we know in bodies corporate, the three P’s of constant pain are Pets,...
Vacant Flooding Syndrome: A Cautionary Tale of Neglected Precautions during Holiday Getaways
It is almost fitting that this subject has been raised at this time of the...
Drastically Reduce Energy Costs by up to 77% with Energy Efficient Windows
Windows are more than just interesting elements of a building. Not only do...
Energy Data Logging
Are you thinking of installing an Electric Vehicle network to your complex, or...
When Can a Committee Tow a Vehicle?
It is with great pleasure that Hartley’s confirm legislation assented on 22...
Elevating Your Understanding on the Vitality of Comprehensive Building Insurance Amid Queensland’s Dynamic Weather
Queenslanders are recognising the paramount importance of comprehensive...
Navigating the Rising Tide: A Comprehensive Guide to Mitigating Home Risks, from Insurance Choices to Plumbing Precautions
The cost of living is rising across the board with fuel, electricity, gas and...
3 Ways to Save Money When Hiring Professional Painting Contractors
Are you considering a fresh coat of paint for your property? Well, like most...
What’s happening in Wholesale Energy Markets
1. The wholesale energy markets have been through a significant crisis over...
The Body Corporate wants access to my unit – do I have to provide access?
Short answer – yes you must. Body corporate buildings are created using two...
Private Eyes are Watching You!
Can a body corporate install cameras on the common property and who has a...
Utility Infrastructure is in my allocated storage space – can I force the body corporate to move it?
In the recent case Waves Redcliffe[1], owners of an exclusive use storage area...
Decoding Work Health & Safety Duty: Lessons from a Recent NSW District Court Case
In a recent case heard in the NSW District Court, the spotlight was firmly on...
Power Capacity in Older Buildings
You might be scratching your head wondering about the power capacity in your...
Water Damage Can be Avoided
Strata buildings are complex structures with key components like water pipes,...
Getting the Most out of Your Common Property – Part 2
When it comes to return on investment everyone has their own rules for...
Getting the Most out of Your Common Property – Part 1
When it comes to return on investment everyone has their own rules for...
Understanding the ARPC Cyclone Pool and how it benefits strata property owners in Queensland
The Australian government has introduced new legislation in the form of the...
Cold Water Supply Isolation Valves and Flexi Hoses, Know Where & How to Isolate Water in an Emergency Situation
In the grand scheme of things, it's not very often that the cold water supply...
Don’t fence me in! A look at the perils of erecting a fence without a grant of exclusive use from your body corporate
When a unit or townhouse Building Format Plan complex is being planned and...
Pet of the Month – Winners Announced
The Pet of the Month is... Name: Duke Duke wins a Hartleys Goodie bag, with...
Penthouse Precipitation Problems.
This month’s article of interest focuses on a case where respondent Owners of...
Our Guide to the Most Common Types Of Glass.
When the Mesopotamians first invented glass around 4,000 years ago, little did...
The Vital Role of Maintaining Common Property.
The importance of upkeeping common areas within a body corporate cannot be...
Proposed Amendments to the BCCMA – What might be in store.
Recently the Attorney-General introduced a Bill to make significant changes to...
5 Tips for Better By-laws
The cynics amongst us might complain there’s no utility in creating...
Plumbing Considerations in Multi-Dwelling Structures: Layout, Pipework, and Sound Issues
When it comes to the plumbing requirements of various dwellings, their layout...
How to Maintain Painted Walls to Extend their Lifespan
By Higgins Coatings Have you recently completed paintwork at your strata...
Building a Brand New Town House in an Existing Scheme
This month’s case of note centres around applicant owners of a stand-alone...
Clearing the Air: Navigating Smoking Regulations in QLD Strata Communities
As the sun continues to shine upon our beautiful state, we are reminded of the...
Analysing Queensland’s Electricity Default Market Offer and Price Increases in 2023
The electricity market in Queensland has seen a significant price increase in...
Electric Vehicle Charging in Strata Communities (EV Chargers)
Electric vehicle ownership is rapidly becoming the way of the future as the...
Short-Term Letting Woes
Short-term letting has been in the news again recently, with Brisbane City...
How Can a Body Corporate Manage Limited Parking Spaces?
Many schemes only have a limited number of visitor parking spaces, and often...
Pet of the Month – Winners Announced
So many pet pics – so little time! Before we announce the winner of Pet of the...
Risking it All With an Unlicensed Contractor
A recent conviction at the Brisbane Magistrate’s Court has been a wake up call...
The Body Corporate wants access to my unit – do I have to provide access?
Short answer – – Yes, in some instances you must Where a body corporate is...
Private Eyes are Watching You!
Can a body corporate install cameras on the common property and who has a...
Building valuations and underinsurance – who carries the risk?
More so now than ever, strata properties are increasingly becoming at risk of...
Are Muzzles An Automatic Requirement For “Some Breeds”?
Continuing on with our love of pets this month – a question which sometimes...
Concrete Cancer and Duty of Care
It is often surprising for our Committees to learn that aside from legislative...
Hot Water Matters
The colder months are creeping up which means your hot water system will be...
Is A Committee Of One A Valid Committee?
Owners may be aware that the body corporate is required to have at least three...
Friends, Romans And Fellow Lot Owners – Lend Me Your Ears
Body Corporate Committees are often run by busy individuals volunteering their...
Parking, Pets and Parties
For owners, Committees and body corporate managers – the Unholy Trinity –...
How To Restore Paintwork After Water Damage
Water damage continues to be a huge topic of conversation so this...
Is The Grass Always Greener?
In recent case Harpullia [2022] QBCCMCmr 473 (22 December 2022), the body...
Upcoming Changes to Body Corporate Legislation Queensland
Following the 2022 Housing Summit, the Attorney-General and Minister for...
Rising Concerns of Underinsurance
This month, CHU Underwriting Agencies highlights the rising concern...
Are your Glass Balustrades fit for purpose?
This month, Express Glass, help us to understand how to ensure the glass...
Electronic Vehicles and Strata
This month, Hum Energy, help us to understand the pros and cons of housing...
How Can You Prepare for Queensland Storm Season
This month, we have partnered with Solutions in Engineering to share some...
Dear Strata Solve
Welcome to our exclusive column by Chris Irons, Dear Strata Solve, untangling...
Changes to the Queensland Tenancy Laws – Maintenance
As part of the October 2022 changes to the Residential Tenancies and Rooming...
The Importance of Correct Resolution Types
What is a resolution type and what may happen if the incorrect one is used?...
Electrical Safety During Storms
With recent warnings advising that this storm season could be even more...
Your Guide to the Trending Strata Colours of the 2020s
This month, Higgins, help us to understand the popular paint colours in strata...
How will the new changes to the Queensland Tenancy Laws affect my Body Corporate?
New changes to the Queensland Residential Tenancies and Room Accommodation Act...
Dear Strata Solve
Welcome to our exclusive column by Chris Irons, Dear Strata Solve, untangling...
Water Metering
With the cost of living rising, daily water consumption is no exception. This...
Appropriating Common Property for Exclusive Use
Can a lot owner make an improvement to the common area for their exclusive...
Is Your Common Property Free From Hazards?
Have you been spending more time at home recently? This month Solutions in...
Dear Strata Solve
Welcome to our exclusive column by Chris Irons, Dear Strata Solve, untangling...
Embedded Networks and the Current Energy Market
Introducing our newest Partner, HUM Engery, helping us to understand the...
Property Damage, Is the Body Corporate Liable for Rectification?
When does the Body Corporate become liable for the rectification of damage to...
Airbnb in Strata Communities
Airbnb and short term letting continues to be one of the more topical and...
Insurance Claim Delays
Why is my Insurance Claim taking so long to finalise? This is a question being...
What Makes an Application Frivolous, Vexatious, Misconceived and Without Substance?
Do you knowwhat makes an adjudication application, or more importantly what...
3 Impressive Strata Projects to Inspire Your Next Look
Are you planning your next building refresh? This month Higgins share some of...
Catastrophe Events and Their Impacts on the Insurance Industry
We understand that the past few months have not been easy for most. This...
Dear Strata Solve
Welcome to our exclusive column by Chris Irons, Dear Strata Solve, untangling...
Are You Experiencing Mould In Your Unit?
Given the excessive amount of rain that has been experienced in South East...
Dear Strata Solve
Welcome to our exclusive column by Chris Irons, Dear Strata Solve, untangling...
Pets in Body Corporate
Under most circumstances, housing pets requires prior approval from the Body...
Community Switchboards: Why it’s Important to Test Them Regularly
Do you know when your electrical switchboard was tested last? This month Fully...
The Value of a Strata Manager
We understand that insurance can be complex, and your strata manager is here...
Penalty Interest on Overdue Levies Set to Commence
In response to the economic effect of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Queensland...
Procedures for Calling an Extraordinary General Meeting
Do you know the process of calling an EGM or when calling this type of meeting...
Dear Strata Solve
Welcome to our exclusive column by Chris Irons, Dear Strata Solve, untangling...
Easy Window Maintenance Tips from The Experts
Did you know that your windows require maintenance? This month Express Glass...
The Danger of Asbestos
Are you aware of Asbestos at your property? This month, Solutions In...
A Timely Reminder Regarding Insurance
The recent heavy rain and flooding throughout South East Queensland is likely...
Seeking Permission to Make an Improvement to Common Property
Does a lot owner have to seek permission from the Body Corporate to make an...
Dear Strata Solve
Welcome to our exclusive column by Chris Irons, Dear Strata Solve, untangling...
Post Flood Effects
In the past few weeks, South East QLD has been drenched with onslaughts of...
Building Defects Can Be Deadly
This month, CHU Underwriting Agencies share the importance of a well...
Dear Strata Solve
We are excited to announce Chris Irons' new exclusive column, Dear Strata...
Ruling A Motion Out Of Order
Can the Chairperson of a meeting rule a motion out of order? If so, what are...
5 Strata Management Solutions To Keep Owners And Residents Happy
This month, Higgins have provided 5 tips on how to ensure you live in a...