Published October 14, 2025 By Matthew Lo
Question: Can the committee install a CCTV camera on the manager’s balcony to monitor vehicle speed and improve security?
I am considering proposing the installation of a CCTV camera on the balcony of our manager’s residence. The camera would cover the front vehicle access gate and pedestrian entrance to monitor the…
Matthew Lo
Published March 11, 2026 By Matthew Lo
Question: Can an owners corporation reverse a past committee decision and recover an incorrect reimbursement paid to an owner three years ago?
A lot owner was reimbursed $1,150 in April 2022 for water tank maintenance, specifically replacement of a pump. I believe this cost should have been the lot owner’s responsibility,…
Published March 31, 2026 By Matthew Lo
Question: Is the strata manager required to include an asbestos register motion at the first AGM, or can they only include motions requested by owners?
When a strata manager first takes over management of a scheme, are they required to include a motion at the first AGM about obtaining information…
Published March 31, 2026 By Matthew Lo
Question: Can our strata manager promote services to owners? Does this raise any conflicts of interest?
Our strata manager emailed owners about a new policy relating to airspace development. The email also appears to promote or recommend a specific airspace company.
Is it appropriate for a strata manager to send this…
Published March 31, 2026 By Matthew Lo Leave a Comment Last Updated March 31, 2026
Question: Would any clauses in our current by-laws conflict with the new NSW strata legislation? Should our owners corporation consider reviewing or updating our by-laws and policies?
Answer: There is significant benefit in owners corporations reviewing their by-laws and policies to ensure they are consistent with…
Published January 13, 2026 By Matthew Lo
This article discusses how NSW strata laws define and apply sustainability infrastructure, clarifying which common property changes qualify under the reduced voting rules.
Question: What counts as “sustainability infrastructure” under recent NSW strata changes? Do measures like screen doors or clothes drying on balconies fall under sustainability infrastructure?
Since the 1…
Published November 11, 2025 By Matthew Lo
This article discusses who is responsible for costs when an owners corporation fixes lot property by mistake and later seeks reimbursement from the lot owner.
Question: Can the strata manager make me reimburse the owners corporation for repairs if they’ve now discovered that the work was my responsibility?
In July 2024,…
Published September 26, 2025 By Matthew Lo
This article discusses strata rules about accessibility infrastructure in NSW.
Question: Can an owner with mobility issues install a ramp and pathway to replace stairs at their unit entrance? Can the owners corporation refuse this request?
I own a ground-floor unit at the front of a small suburban complex. Current access…
Published September 2, 2025 By Matthew Lo
This article discusses whether items, such as screen doors, could be considered sustainability infrastructure in NSW under the SSMA.
Question: Does installing screen doors to improve airflow and reduce air conditioning use qualify as a sustainable practice under the SSMA?
Under the recent changes to the Strata Schemes Management Act 2015 regarding sustainability,…
This article provides an overview of a webinar presented by Matthew Lo, Special Counsel at Kerin Benson Lawyers, focusing on the significant changes introduced by the Strata Schemes Legislation Amendment Bill 2025 in New South Wales. The webinar aimed to equip owners corporations and stakeholders with the knowledge to understand the implications of this new legislation and…