Every building has a fundamental set of registered documents. This set forms the foundation for how a building is to operate and gives rights to people inside and outside the building. These legal documents are often forgotten as people choose to act with “common sense” or worse, personal interest. Either way, it means that buildings are not operating as designed and incorrect, which will grow to the point of failure or disagreement within the building.

How to solve it

To overcome the current or approaching conflict within your building the solutions are simple to outline, but sometimes disruptive to implement as this will often bring to the surface knowledge gaps or failing by your current strata manager.

Drawing your line in the sand and firming up your foundation starts easily with identifying what your foundation documents are, and how to get them.

Step 1: Ask your strata manager for a copy of the Certificate of Title

The certificate of title will show you all the registered dealings, attached with your building.
What are registered dealings: A dealing is each document, a plan, easement, by-laws, or another formal document.

Step 2: Download each dealing

You can download each dealing with online platforms like SAI GLOBAL if you want to access the documents yourself or ask your manager for a copy of each registered document on the certificate of title.

Step 3: Read every word of each dealing/document

Do not rush this step and you should take all the time you need to review and understand the documents. After all, this isn’t something you are going to do each month or year. This step includes the reading of each note and comment on the strata roll.

Step 4: Make sure you are complying

Complying with most elements is simple, now you are aware of them you can be sure to make decisions that do not breach.
You also need to be sure that your strata manager is operating in compliance with your registered documents, with these items:

+ Registered unit entitlements
+ Notations on the strata plan
+ By-laws for exclusive use and charges
+ Easements requirements (e.g., on charging, insurance needs, etc.)

Step 5: Summaries primary needs

Now that you have reviewed all your documents and have your strata manager operating correctly with these documents. You need to create a short set of notes and document these in the minutes of a meeting.

My Promise

My Promise to all committees that implement this simple 5 step process on your building every couple years will find that your building operates without the common mistakes of “common sense” and will be able to reduce people ignoring obligations for self-benefit.

What Next?

Click and get your copy of our Strata Registered Document health Check Process.