“P’s and Q’s”
The “P’s and Q’s” of Strata Living
(Updated June 2017)
There are recurring issues, which most strata residents have to deal with that have the potential to detract from their experience. In The Brunswick the recurring issues are the “P’s” of strata life – People, Parking, Pets, Pool and Permissions.
Successful community living is achieved through common sense and courtesy. This is particularly true in a complex as large as ours, which has 59 individual properties and many residents.
Underpinning the need for common sense and courtesy are the By-laws, which govern the specific way in which various important aspects of community life in The Brunswick is to be organised. The By-laws are not optional nor are they designed to make life difficult, far from it; they apply unconditionally to all properties and form part of every Residential Tenancy Agreement.
Copies of the By-laws as revised at the AGM in 2017 can be seen by opening the follwing link:
SP 72924 – By laws 2017_amended 10.5.17
Copies are available from our Managing Agent – George Brand Strata.
All owners and occupiers in a strata scheme, including tenants, are legally obliged to comply with the By-laws of the scheme.
If residents persistently disobey the By-laws then penalties may apply.
Whilst strata living can provide a friendly community style environment, it helps to remember that it is not the same as living in a freestanding house. Some activities may be more restricted in a strata scheme, for example, where you can park your car, hang your washing or when and how you can renovate.
A lot owner effectively owns the airspace (and anything included in the airspace) inside the boundary walls, floor and ceiling of the lot. Everything within the airspace must be maintained at the owner’s cost.
People Parking Pets Pool Permissions
People.
As residents in a strata complex we need to be especially considerate of other people and in particular our neighbours. Noise is one of the major grievances between neighbours in strata living. Barking dogs, noisy vehicles, loud stereos and such-like all aggravate other people. Common sense and politeness dictates that we all keep noise to a minimum whenever possible and that we advise our neighbours of any unusual events. Attempting to solve small disputes is always best handled face to face but if necessary complaints can be sent to the Strata Committee or the Managing Agent.
Parking.
Most residential complexes experience problems with parking. Parking can be a big issue in a community such as ours. The main thing to bear in mind is that the By-laws determine both our Rights and Responsibilities. In The Brunswick parking is not permitted on Common Property without the written permission of the Owners Corporation (delegated to the Strata Committee).
Pets.
Unlike many strata complexes we are fortunate that pets are permitted in The Brunswick. Pets should be kept under control and should not be allowed to create needless noise. For obvious reasons related to safety and hygiene, pets are not permitted in the Pool Area.
All pets must be registered with George Brand Strata Management using the following form
Pool.
For Health and Safety reasons various regulations apply to the use of the pool.
- Adults need to closely supervise young children.
- Visitors are to be accompanied by residents.
- Non-residents are not able to use the pool without permission.
- Glass is not permitted within the Pool area.
- Safe and sensible behaviour is encouraged at all times.
- The Pool area is closed at certain hours to ensure peace and quiet for the benefit of residents.
Permissions.
Residents are able to make certain modifications to their property but there are limitations on what can be done and permission is sometimes needed from the Owners Corporation or from Central Coast Council. It is essential that you approach the Managing Agent in the first instance and keep neighbours fully informed.
Those are the five “P’s” of community living in The Brunswick. So mind your “P’s” and “Q’s”. You know what the “P’s” are now, and the “Q’s”? Please always ask Questions if you are unsure about any aspect of life in The Brunswick.