I’m taking you inside last Friday’s CPD Education Day, for a quick listen to part of my session on the topic of “privacy” in strata.

Just as important for owners as they are for managers, the lessons of this session may surprise you.

Also, get the diary out, because I’m announcing the date for our 2025 CPD Education Day. Yep! We’re an organised bunch here at YSP.

Reena Van Aalst joins me to discuss:

- why insurers are now asking whether your building has been "re-wired" or "re-plumbed"

- committees that are breaching their spending restrictions

- how our strata law is failing owners when it comes to privacy

- the community leveraging a little-used part of the NSW legislation to ensure all levies are paid on time.

Andrew Boss of Austrata Finance joins me to unpack the new and improved “hybrid” strata loan, including greater certainty for owners at tax time, and easier administration for strata managers.

Brent Clark of Wattblock joins me to share how forward-thinking strata buildings (and savvy purchasers) can ensure they’re “keeping up with the Joneses” when it comes to sustainability infrastructure, all while avoiding the net-zero conversation AND enjoying a 12% uplift in the value of their property.

Sydney strata owner Amanda Reitzin joins me to share her recent experience in the NSW Tribunal battling nuisance smoke drift from her neighbour's balcony.

Amanda shares how she made the difficult decision to litigate, including the lessons she learned along the way. You'll hear:

- Amanda's realisation that the law is on your side, but it's up to you to do the hard work

- how staying polite and professional at all times is key

- why litigation is not about winning

- how Amanda's life has changed since the Tribunal's orders.

This is a must-listen for anyone involved in or considering legal proceedings.

Strata Energy Services has been leveraging the power of the collective since 2018, using "bulk buying power" to get strata buildings a better deal on their energy costs. Sally Pollard joins me to share how it all works and how you can find savings in even the most difficult financial times.

In our first podcast episode for the year, I’m sharing the 5 most popular episodes of 2023 – in case you missed them, need a recap, or are looking for a great place to start if you’re new to our world.

In this final podcast episode for 2023, Reena and I cover:

an owner’s refusal to permit access to their lot, leaving the Annual Fire Safety Statement (“AFSS”) in jeopardy

whether an owner with damaged blinds should call their committee’s bluff and sue over a few hundred dollars

the year’s happy endings, including a surprise special event in my own building’s backyard.

The pod will be back in the second week of the new year.

Nikki Jovicic of LookUpStrata joins me to share our common passion for empowering owners through strata knowledge. I answer a couple of curly questions for Nikki's website and we discuss the ripple effect of strata managers having access to quality education.

Jo Hall of Groundfloor joins me to share how our buildings can better manage parcel deliveries, even without a building manager or concierge, reducing security risks and ensuring peace of mind for residents.