The Knight Alliance

I was sitting in the SCA A100 seminar when the instructor introduced an idea that initially seemed problematic. They suggested strata is the fourth level of government, envisioning government consisted of federal, state, local, and then… strata? Governing involves both the administration and control of a community. There is no doubt strata management involves administration. We prepare budgets, hold elections, and more. Instead, I realized the reason I instinctively had a problem with the idea of strata as government is because we are so limited in how we can exert authority. We have minimal access to forms of coercive power. We do have some ability to take offenders to VCAT, but this only happens in a minority of cases. Despite our lack of coercive power, we manage many societal issues. This includes waste management, vandalism, and more. Owners Corporations therefore need to find other ways to discourage bad behaviour. This essay explains how Owners Corporations can influence behavi...

A Victorian Lot Owner wonders what to do about a neighbour who has taken over the common property garden without approval. Alex Smale, Owners Corporation Manager at The Knight suggests the best solution would be to using a key safe. Question: The minority lot owner in a three lot scheme has progressively taken over the common property garden with pots and garden furniture. No approval was sought. We own 2 units and 74% of a small (3 unit) Owners Corporation Plan in Victoria. The 26% lot owner has progressively taken over half of the common area courtyard with over 40 pots in various stages of neglect, a market umbrella and garden furniture.   We have the standard Model Rule that states: “An owner or occupier of a lot must not, without the written approval of the OC, use for his or her own purposes as a garden any portion of the common property.” No approval has been sought or given. What are the majority owners’ rights? Answer: The minority lot ow...

“Do we really need to pay to get the anchor points certified every year?” … “Do you want someone to fall off the roof?” This kind of conversation is all too common at the annual general meetings of strata properties . All buildings have machinery and systems which owners need to pay to maintain. This machinery is often behind closed doors and not visible to residents. This is particularly true of larger buildings which will have complex fire systems, HVAC systems, large booster pumps for pumping water up many stories and more. While owners understandably want to find ways to cut costs, the consequences of not correctly maintaining this equipment can be enormous. This maintenance is so much more than items on the financial report, it guarantees the peaceful enjoyment of the building for residents as well as maintaining the safety and the security of your investment. One example is back flow prevention valves which need to be tested. These valves prevent contaminants from g...

More than ever before, buyers are looking for innovative features to make their homes more efficient and convenient. Developers who include these technological initiatives are able to attract buyers more easily and secure their reputation as an industry leader. Many of these initiatives also help achieve a more harmonious and cost-effective Owners Corporation through improved communication, security and efficiency, thus securing the long-term satisfaction of residents. 1. Smart Home automation Something we can expect to see even more of in the future is the promotion of Smart Home (or in this case, Smart Building) automation as a selling point. Smart Home automation includes the ability to control climate, lighting and audio-visual devices from around your house and even remotely via smart phone apps. Smart Home automation isn’t just about convenience though. It can also promote reduced energy consumption by setting heating and cooling to only work when it’s...

At The Knight we strive to be thought leaders within the Owners Corporation industry, constantly sharing and expanding upon our knowledge base. As part of this, we are constantly looking to the thought leaders around us for inspiration and guidance and December 3rd was an afternoon filled with such inspiration. Firstly, we attended the UDIA End of Year celebration in the Jinding Developments office in the Rialto Tower focused on the themes of Sustainability and Energy Efficiency. Projects which achieved an EnviroDevelopment verification were recognised and the increased push towards sustainability within the industry was observed. We then rounded out the evening by attending a free talk at the newly unveiled MPavillion, hosted by Small Giants Developments. The panel discussed how developers can reimagine the development industry and be facilitators to thriving communities. UDIA End of Year Celebration – Sustainability & Energy Efficiency In partnership ...