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…
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…
View the webinar with Chris Kerin from Kerin Benson Lawyers and Nikki Jovicic from Lookupstrata discussing upcoming changes for NSW strata managing agents.
The Building Legislation Amendment Act 2023 (BLA Act) was passed by the NSW Parliament on 21 November 2023.
The BLA Act inter alia amends the Strata Schemes Management Act 2015 (NSW) (SSMA) such that the building bond amount of 2 per cent of the contract price will increase to 3 per cent. This was to apply…
On Thursday 30 November 2023 the Property Developers Bill 2023 (Bill) was tabled before the Australian Capital Territory Legislative Assembly and referred to the Standing Committee on Planning, Transport, and City Services (Committee). Click here to access the Bill.
On Thursday 14 December 2023 the Committee decided to hold an inquiry into the Bill (Inquiry).
On Thursday…
ABC Investigation on the Strata Management Industry
The ABC has made a number of allegations in relation to the practices of Netstrata in relation to insurance commissions, fees, kickbacks, etc.
To read the ABC article, click here.
Kerin Benson Lawyer's Comments on the ABC Investigation
Matthew Lo, Special Counsel at Kerin Benson Lawyers, has provided a response to the issues…
On Thursday 29 February 2024 Kerin Benson Lawyers made a submission to the Inquiry into the Property Developers Bill 2023. Please click here to access the submission.
On Thursday 7 March 2024 Christopher Kerin appeared before the ACT Legislative Assembly’s Standing Committee on Planning, Transport and City Services for its Inquiry into the Bill. Click here to watch.
Christopher's appearance at…
On Saturday 1 July 2023 the amendments pursuant to the Unit Titles Legislation Amendment Act 2023 commence.
Please click here to access Kerin Benson Lawyer's summary table of the most important amendments.
The text of the Act itself is available on the ACT Legislation website here
In response to a substantial increase in the number of formal complaints about building matters since 2010, the new Building and Construction Legislation Amendment Act 2020 introduced a new dispute resolution scheme in the ACT for residential building disputes by inserting a new part 6A into the Building Act (the Scheme). Please note that while…