Resources and FAQs

Understanding Strata Roles

In a strata community, different roles help keep everything running smoothly. Here’s a simple breakdown of who does what:

  • Owners – If you own a unit or lot in a strata property, you are a strata owner. You’re responsible for paying strata levies, following by-laws, and helping make decisions about the property.

  • Council Members – A group of elected owners who represent everyone in the strata scheme. They help make decisions about maintenance, budgets, and day-to-day management.

  • Strata Managers – A professional team (like us!) hired to handle the administrative, financial, and maintenance tasks. We make sure everything is compliant with WA strata laws, levies are collected, repairs are arranged, and meetings are well-organized.

Each role plays an important part in keeping the community well-maintained, financially sound, and enjoyable for all residents. At Strata LAB Co, we work closely with owners and council members to make strata living hassle-free.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Strata Levies

What are strata levies, and why do I have to pay them?
Strata levies are payments made by all owners to cover the costs of maintaining and managing the common property. These funds go towards things like building insurance, repairs, maintenance, and shared utilities.

How are levies calculated?
Levies are based on the budget set by the strata council and divided among owners according to their unit entitlement (size and share of ownership).

What happens if I don’t pay my levies on time?
Late payments may incur interest or penalties, and ongoing non-payment can lead to legal action. If you’re having difficulty paying, it’s best to contact us or your strata council as soon as possible.

Strata Meetings

What types of meetings are held in a strata scheme?
The most common meetings include:

  • Annual General Meeting (AGM) – Held once a year to discuss financials, elect council members, and approve budgets.

  • Council Meetings – Held as needed by the elected strata council to make decisions on behalf of owners.

  • Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) – Called when urgent decisions need to be made outside of the AGM.

Who can attend strata meetings?
All owners are invited to general meetings, while council meetings are typically attended by elected council members.

Do I have to attend meetings?
While attendance isn’t mandatory, it’s encouraged so you can stay informed and have a say in decisions affecting your property. If you can’t attend, you can appoint a proxy to vote on your behalf.

Common Disputes & How to Handle Them

What if I have a dispute with a neighbor or the strata council?
Most disputes can be resolved through open communication. If that doesn’t work, mediation or formal dispute resolution through the State Administrative Tribunal (SAT) may be necessary.

Who is responsible for fixing a maintenance issue?

  • Common property issues (e.g., roofs, shared plumbing, stairwells) are the responsibility of the strata scheme.

  • Private property issues (inside your unit) are usually the owner’s responsibility.
    If you're unsure, check your strata plan or contact us for guidance.

Can I renovate my unit?
Minor renovations (like painting or new flooring) usually don’t require approval. However, structural changes or anything affecting common property (e.g., balcony enclosures, air conditioning installation) may need approval from the strata council. Always check before starting work.

Strata Regulations & Government Resources

  • Landgate – Strata Titles in WA
    https://www.landgate.wa.gov.au/
    Official government site for strata titles, ownership details, and regulations.

  • Strata Titles Act 1985 (WA) – Legislation
    https://www.legislation.wa.gov.au/
    Full details on WA strata laws, responsibilities, and dispute resolution processes.

  • State Administrative Tribunal (SAT) – Strata Disputes
    https://www.sat.justice.wa.gov.au/
    For resolving strata-related disputes between owners, councils, and managers.

  • Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (DMIRS) – Strata Advice
    https://www.dmirs.wa.gov.au/
    Guidance on strata management, governance, and consumer rights.

Industry Associations & Support

  • Strata Community Association (WA) – Strata Education & Resources
    https://www.wa.strata.community/
    Industry body offering education, advocacy, and best practices for strata management.

  • WA Consumer Protection – Strata Living Guide
    https://www.commerce.wa.gov.au/consumer-protection
    Useful consumer protection advice for strata owners and tenants.