for everything you need to know about strata...

Hello - I'm Strataman

If this is your first visit to my website then Welcome and if you are returning for a followup visit, Welcome back.

My purpose, with the help of the information held on this site, is to assist ordinary folks gain a better understanding of what strata is all about.

Strata is a very complex and challenging topic.  It's filled with so much legal terminology and jargon that even lawyers, at times, have difficulty interpreting all the legislation, by-laws and guidelines associated with it.  What chance then does the average person in the street have of understanding it all?

Who can use this....

This website was specifically created to be a simple guide for everyone.....for those owners or tenants of strata properties, or those considering investing in a strata scheme, or those currently working in or affected by this industry or those who would simply like to learn more about the subject.  And it's free.

Of course, every situation is different and strata can be a veritable minefield of legal complexities.  Even within Australia the laws regarding Strata vary from state to state and so, for the time being, I'll be focusing primarily on New South Wales legislation.

And, within the Strata structure itself, there can be different strata types like Community Plans and Neighbourhood Plans, Retirement Villages, Caravan Parks, Tourist Resorts and Hotels and so on.  Again, for the time being, I'll be mainly focusing on Strata Plans with a small section available on Community & Neighbourhood Schemes as this is the next largest group.

Other States....

Those of you residing in other states must double-check with your local authorities and legislation before using any of the NSW-based information on this site.  Hopefully, in the not too distant future, I'll be providing you non-nsw folks with some links and other resources.  I'll keep you posted on my progress....

Some good advice....

Please bear in mind that any information provided by this website is intended as a general guide only.  It should never be substituted for professional legal, investment or taxation advice, which should always be obtained before taking any action.  Please make sure you read the disclaimers at the bottom of every page on this website to become familiar with all this legal stuff.

Some of what you'll find....

Keep an eye out for the information links (which look like this link to the left) spread throughout the many pages - actually, there's some a few paragraphs down and one a few paragraphs back.  Some of these links will take you to another part of this website while others will take you to an external website but both are there to assist you understand or learn more about the particular item being discussed or described.

I've tried hard to focus on the main areas of strata that almost everybody has to know about at sometime or other in their strata 'life'.  I've also attempted to keep it fairly light hearted with not too much legalese which can tend to confuse most people.

The topics I've covered are by no means exhaustive and I fully expect to add to this list as time goes on but, for now, have a good look at the menu items on the left side of this page.  I'm sure you'll find something of interest to keep you busy...and maybe even amused.

I've also included a section on Frequently asked questions as well as a section containing some other Helpful Websites AND a commonly-used Strata terms and industry jargon section.  So, if you come across a 'strata' word or two you don't understand, simply jump over to the Strata Terms and Jargon Information page and see if it's there.  Most pages will have a link to the Strata Terms and Jargon information page somewhere.

DIY....

If you've been charged with looking after a medium-to-large strata scheme, you would do well to seek the assistance of a licensed, professional Strata Managing Agent - also commonly known as a Strata Manager.  Once you understand exactly what's required to look after one of these 'not-so-small' schemes you'll be thankful they're there to help.

Just keeping up with all the legislative changes and compliance requirements, not to mention understanding how any changes will impact your scheme, can be a full-time job on its own.  And that's only ONE small part of what needs to be done.

However, for those involved in smallish sized schemes (usually consisting of around 5 lots or less) and wanting to 'go it alone', there's assistance available in the form of a really helpful Do-It-Yourself Strata Kit.  This kit provides the DIY strata manager with the all important records and accounts framework required to successfully begin looking after a smaller scheme.  But, be warned, it's NOT an easy job by any means and not for those who can't put in the time and effort required to make it work properly.  Read my information page on Do-It-Yourself Strata to learn all you need to know on this topic.

Strataman News....

The field of strata is constantly changing so, if you'd like to receive regular updates on any changes to the law, industry news and other issues relating to strata generally, register to receive your copy of my Strataman News.  When it comes off the presses I'll email you a copy absolutely free.  Of course, should you decide for any reason you don't want to receive it anymore, then simply unsubscribe.  There'll never be any obligation on you to continue with your free subscription.

Your help & Feedback....

Only with your help can I make this website something very worthwhile and of use to you so please give me your feedback (via an email) when you can.  I will welcome any ideas from you as to how I might improve this site to make it much more useful.  Tell me what you like, what you don't like, what's missing and what needs to go.  Help me to help you!

Don't forget to tell your friends and colleagues about it too....so, go out and spread the word!!

Finally, I hope you enjoy the Strataman website and find its contents of some value.  I'll be regularly adding new information and updating what's there, so add www.strataman.com.au to your "favourites" and come back often.

Until our next meeting, thanks for calling by and good luck with your strata plan!

Bye for now

What is strata?
Strata terms and jargon
Frequently Asked Questions
Do-It-Yourself Strata
Strataman News
Helpful Websites

Buying a strata titled property
Buying "off-the-plan"
By-Laws
Community & Neighbourhoods
Compliance issues
Executive Committee
Insurance requirements
Legal advice
Levies & Special Levies
Meetings
Ongoing maintenance&repairs
Owners Corporation
Preventative maintenance
Records & Accounts
Resolving disputes
Small & Large schemes
Strata Managing Agents
Strata trades guide
Taxation & GST

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