News
Straight from Hartley’s team, our partners and the Commissioner’s office.
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...
Elevating Your Understanding on the Vitality of Comprehensive Building Insurance Amid Queensland’s Dynamic Weather
Queenslanders are recognising the paramount importance of comprehensive...
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...
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...
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...
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...
Private Eyes are Watching You!
Can a body corporate install cameras on the common property and who has a...
Pet of the Month – Winners Announced
Name: Duke Duke wins a Hartleys Goodie bag, with his own on-the-go doggy poop...
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...
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...
Getting the Most out of Your Common Property – Part 2
When it comes to return on investment everyone has their own rules for...
Water Damage Can be Avoided
Strata buildings are complex structures with key components like water pipes,...
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...
Getting the Most out of Your Common Property – Part 1
When it comes to return on investment everyone has their own rules for...
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...
Our Guide to the Most Common Types Of Glass.
When the Mesopotamians first invented glass around 4,000 years ago, little did...
Penthouse Precipitation Problems.
This month’s article of interest focuses on a case where respondent Owners of...
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...
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...
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...
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...
Analysing Queensland’s Electricity Default Market Offer and Price Increases in 2023
The electricity market in Queensland has seen a significant price increase in...
How Can a Body Corporate Manage Limited Parking Spaces?
Many schemes only have a limited number of visitor parking spaces, and often...
Risking it All With an Unlicensed Contractor
A recent conviction at the Brisbane Magistrate’s Court has been a wake up call...
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...
The Body Corporate wants access to my unit – do I have to provide access?
Short answer – – Yes, in some instances you must Body corporate buildings are...
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 & 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 of...
Are your Glass Balustrades fit for purpose?
This month, Express Glass, help us to understand how to ensure the glass...
How Can You Prepare for QLD Storm Season
We're safe to assume that this storm season could be even more dangerous than...
Electronic Vehicles and Strata
This month, Hum Energy, help us to understand the pros and cons of housing...
Dear Strata Solve
Welcome to our exclusive column by Chris Irons, Dear Strata Solve, untangling...
The Importance of Correct Resolution Types
What is a resolution type and what may happen if the incorrect one is used?...
Changes to the Queensland Tenancy Laws – Maintenance
As part of the October 2022 changes to the Residential Tenancies and Rooming...
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...
Appropriating Common Property for Exclusive Use
Can a lot owner make an improvement to the common area for their exclusive...
Dear Strata Solve
Welcome to our exclusive column by Chris Irons, Dear Strata Solve, untangling...
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...
Water Metering
With the cost of living rising, daily water consumption is no exception. This...
Airbnb in Strata Communities
Airbnb and short term letting continues to be one of the more topical and...
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...
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...
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 know what 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...
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...
Dear Strata Solve
Welcome to our exclusive column by Chris Irons, Dear Strata Solve, untangling...
Penalty Interest on Overdue Levies Set To Recommence
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...
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...
Dear Strata Solve
Welcome to our exclusive column by Chris Irons, Dear Strata Solve, untangling...
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...
A Timely Reminder Regarding Insurance
The recent heavy rain and flooding throughout South East Queensland is likely...
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...
The Corporate Centre Leads the Way with Shared Solar, Providing 38 Commercial Office Spaces with Own Supply of Renewable Electricity
This month, we have partnered with LPE to share their industry first renewable...
Doormats on Common Property
What's in a doormat? This month we explore a recent order where the Body...
Smoking on Balconies………..a landmark decision
As you may have seen on the news and in announcements being made across the...
Removing Committee Members
This month the Body Corporate Commissioner explores some options a Body...
Electrical Safety Compliance – Do you know your responsibilities?
This month, we have partnered with Fully Wire Electrical to clarify some...
Strata Insurance Explained: Owners’ Questions Answered.
This month, we have partnered with Strata Community Insurance to answer some...
7 Tips to Help You Save Money on Electricity During Summer
This month, we have partnered with LPE to share some helpful tips on how to...
Revisiting the Amendments
This month the Body Corporate Commissioner revisits a few of the key changes...
Who is Responsible for Fencing?
Do you know who is responsible for the fencing at your property? Is it the...
Who is Responsible for My Balcony, is it Common Property?
This month, we have partnered with Solutions in Engineering to answer one of...
Spontaneous Exploding Glass
This month we have partnered with Express Glass to explain the dangers of...
Getting To Know Your Community Management Statement
This month the Body Corporate Commissioner explains in detail, what a...