We have a cracker of an episode for you. Today we interview Jimmy Thomson, the writer of the Flat Chat column, which you may have seen featured in Domain, AFR and SMH. The multi-talented Jimmy has authored 15 books, is a screenwriter, a university lecturer and has his own podcast “Flat Chat Wrap”, which is all about strata living. Jimmy tells a screenwriter's dark, but ultimately hopeful tale about strata living, which includes exposing dodgy developers who over promise and under deliver. 

Here’s what we covered: 

• How one email revealed a developers dodgy intentions 
• Developers putting their own people in building management positions 
• The deep corruption of developers in Queensland 
• Does building warranty actually protect you? 
• Positives of strata living 
• The darkside of short term subletting 
• How extra facilities of strata property can greatly increase rent and property value
• Adding value vs maintaining in strata property 
• When should Strata owners contact NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT)? 
• Who enforces the bylaws of an apartment complex? 
• Will company titles make a comeback? 
• Where to find the bylaws 
• And the crazy but true story of the guy who turned his balcony into a fish tank (yes, really)

MENTIONED EPISODES:Episode 103 | Amanda Farmer Episode 25 | Amanda Farmer Episode 18 | Reena Van Aalst

GUEST LINKS:Flat Chat Column Flat Chat Wrap StrataBox

HOST LINKS: Looking for a Sydney Buyers Agent? www.gooddeeds.com.au Work with Veronica: [email protected] 

Looking for a Mortgage Broker? www.wealthful.com.au Work with Chris: [email protected]

EPISODE TRANSCRIPT: Please note that this has been transcribed by half-human-half-robot, so brace yourself for typos and the odd bit of weirdness...This episode was recorded on 30 January, 2020.https://www.theelephantintheroom.com.au/podcasts/106

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