ASA Nominees Pty Ltd v Owners Corporation PS 513436B and Adamopoulos [2016] VSC 562 arose from a surveyors error which occurred when lots in the plan of subdivision were re-subdivided. An amended plan was registered which showed the boundary between two lots as located 3 metres to the west of the wall that was intended to form the boundary. Continue reading
Private lot
Special Rules – they might be made by the owners corporation but are they valid?
An owners corporation has the power to make special rules under s138 of the Owners Corporation Act through a special resolution. Special rules are required to be lodged with the Registrar of Titles (s142 of the Act) and can therefore be found on the Register by prospective purchasers.
Importantly, making rules by special resolution and placing those rules on the Register does not mean those rules are necessarily valid. Continue reading
Short stay accommodation
The Independent Panel on short-stay accommodation’ has published its final report. The Panel made recommendations that:
- OCs be able to serve a ‘notice to rectify breach’ on the person offering the accommodation (whether the owner of the property, the lessee or agent) regarding breach of OC rules by short-stay occupants; and
- VCAT be able to make an order on the breach notice that the apartment is not allowed to be used for short-term stays for a period of time, or until it is sold.
OC Fees and bankruptcy
In Owners Corporation No 1 – PS507443P v Iglesias [2015] VCAT 558, a lot owner who declared bankruptcy was found liable for OC fees from the date of bankruptcy forward even though the property had vested in his trustee for bankruptcy. Continue reading
Power of the OC to regulate the use of car spaces on private title
In Black v Foo [2013] VCAT 1676, a lot owner was storing items (kayaks etc.) on car space on private title. Continue reading
Owners Corporations Law 