Latest articles by Tom Bacon
High-speed internet thrills are just a special resolution away …
Technology is advancing so quickly these days. That television set and that iPhone that we bought just three years ago (which still works just fine by the way) is all too quickly consigned to the obsolete pile, as consumer electronic brands compete to bring out the next biggest thing.
Read MoreConsumer Affairs takes steps to improve the governance of OC managers
One bad apple can spoil the bunch. The owners’ corporation (OC) management industry is filled with talented and passionate individuals, who love working in OC management and thrive on the fast-paced nature of the business.
Read MoreAnother thing to consider before buying an apartment “off the plan” – check the builder too
With news hitting the public in late February regarding the construction juggernaut Probuild going into administration, many in the construction industry are now bracing for a ripple effect of smaller contractors and sub-contractors to also pull the plug.
Read MoreVCAT rules that pigeon infestation on apartment building not enough to justify special levy
An owners’ corporation (OC) in St Kilda has found itself in a messy situation in VCAT, with the Senior Member refusing to enforce an OC request to certain lot owners to rid the main apartment building from a pigeon infestation.
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2021 - a big year for apartment buildings
In many ways, 2021 was another annus horribilis for a lot of us, particularly in Melbourne.
Read MoreWhat to do next with cladding
More buildings with high-risk combustible cladding have been added to the list, as the government ponders what to do next.
Read MoreDid your apartment building suffer any earthquake damage? The committee needs to investigate
As if Melbourne hasn’t endured enough over the past 18 months. Pandemic, lockdown, anti-vax riots, losing the hosting rights to the AFL Grand Final, and now, an earthquake.
Read MoreLife is short - don’t let time (limitation periods) slip away …
The Supreme Court of Victoria recently decided in a case involving a large residential building complex on St Kilda Rd to deny the joinder of individual lot owners to a building claim already commenced by the owners’ corporation (OC), on the basis they were out of time to do so.
Read MoreNoisy neighbours
Living in an apartment building brings with it all forms of minor inconveniences.
Read MoreBudget stamp duty concessions get sales rolling again
Budget stamp duty concessions get sales rolling again
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Lower compliance costs for cladding
If you know where to look (and who to look to) there are potential options for much lower compliance costs to rectify combustible cladding.
Read MoreOwners’ corporations are like a box of chocolates - you never know what you’re going to get!
In the major newspapers, there seems to be a negative news story almost every week about the oversupply of apartments in Melbourne, or reasons why the capital values and rents for apartments will continue to fall, or the myriad of reasons why the cladding issues are being poorly managed by the state government and so on.
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New research provides insight on the effects of flammable cladding on owners’ wellbeing
Researchers at the School of Property, Construction and Project Management at RMIT University have published a new study on the links between combustible cladding and the effects on homeowners’ wellbeing.
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New OC legislation substantially amends the legal position in water ingress cases
By Tom Bacon - Principal, Strata Title Lawyers
Read MoreOwners’ Corporation Amendment Act set for debate in the Victorian Upper House
By Tom Bacon - Principal, Strata Title Lawyers
Read MoreWatch out, not all liability insurance policies are created equal
Do you sit on the committee of your owners’ corporation (OC)?
Read MoreDust continues to settle on the Owners’ Corporation Act (2019) reforms
Hurrah! We are able to leave our apartments at last, and go out and have some fun. But seriously, Consumer Affairs Victoria, you all should perhaps stay inside and complete your work.
Read MoreCOVID Q&A: Private renovations, cladding rectifications and nuisance from pets
Question: The apartment next door to me is being renovated during COVID-19 …
Read MoreVCAT declares that committees have the power to terminate an OC manager
Many high-rise buildings will be aware of terms embedded within an owners’ corporation (OC) manager’s agency agreement.
Read MoreKeeping the lights on during COVID-19
I’ve been getting a number of questions from owners’ corporation (OC) managers, building managers and committee members over the past few months, so I thought I would publish some of the more common questions with my answers as below:
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