Strata managers have revealed some of the wackiest things they’ve experienced on the job. Picture: Nigel Hallett
Experienced strata managers have exposed the wild and wacky goings on they’ve encountered across Queensland, highlighting the need for impartial parties when neighbours live in close quarters.
Archers the Strata Professionals, a Queensland-based strata management company overseeing more than 30,000 lots across the state, has shared some of the most peculiar tales from the coalface of strata living.
Archers Managing Director, Nicky Lonergan said strata living offered the promise of convenience and community but it was not always smooth sailing.
According to UNSW’s City Futures Research Centre, at least one-in-six Australians already live in strata communities – shared spaces where properties are individually owned, but common areas and facilities are collectively managed.
Ms Lonergan said with medium and high-density housing on the rise, the potential for these close quarters to ignite epic passive-aggressive battles was only growing.
“These stories underline the value of having experienced strata managers, who can navigate the complexities of shared living spaces,” she said.
“While every strata community comes with its unique challenges, our role is to help foster a sense of harmony and co-operation, even when the situations are out of the ordinary.”
Who would have though a humble pair of crocs could cause such an upset? Picture: AFP PHOTO/JONATHAN NACKSTRAND
CROCS IN THE GYM
Ms Lonergan said one story that came to mind was an extraordinary case of fashion meets legislation.
“A male resident hit the rowing machine in Crocs,” she said.
“There was no issue until a body corporate committee member spotted it on CCTV and raised a formal complaint about his incorrect footwear.
“It’s the only time I’ve heard of Crocs being a crime against strata rather than a crime against fashion.”
Ms Lonergan said the tenant received a breach notice from the body corporate member, which underlined the need for balancing rules with reason.
“Strata living requires clear communication and a willingness to resolve issues informally where possible,” she.
“This could have been handled with a simple conversation, avoiding unnecessary formalities.”
Communal pool doesn’t equal communal washing spot. Picture: iStock
POOLING PROBLEMS
Frank Griesau from Archers’ Townsville office said he knew of a resident who had his power cut off and decided to turn the property’s swimming pool into his personal laundromat, complete with detergent.
“It went exactly how you’d imagine,” he said.
Mr Griesau said in a separate incident, another tenant in the same building, apparently under the influence, went on a destructive spree around the pool area, tossing deck chairs into the water.
The tenant climbed onto the roof and attempted a dramatic jump, landing on a lower rooftop. Emergency services were called in, leaving the entire property powerless for hours while they retrieved him.
“The laundromat resident was given a warning, while the rooftop jumper was evicted shortly after,” Mr Griesau said.
“As strange as they sound, stories like this highlight the need for clear by-laws and swift enforcement, both of which professional strata managers can provide to maintain safety and order.”
Sometimes, the no pet rules are there for a reason. Picture: Supplied
HIGH STAKE PET OWNERSHIP
Rachel Blaxland from Archers’ Sunshine Coast office said she recalled a tale of a cat whose arrival caused more drama than anyone anticipated.
After initially being denied permission to keep the pet in a 14th-floor apartment, the owner appealed and won.
“Within a month, the cat jumped onto the balcony balustrade, miscalculated the distance, and fell,” Ms Blaxland said.
“While this story was a sad one for the cat and its owner, it also underscores the importance of pet safety in high-rise buildings.
“Strata managers can work with committees to establish conditions that balance the needs of pet owners and other residents while allowing pets in shared areas, helping to create a pet-friendly community.”
No good deed goes unpunished. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Andrew Henshaw
BLOW OFF
Archers’ Warren Wagland said on the Gold Coast, one owner thought they were doing the caretaker a favour by blowing leaves from their driveway into the street.
The caretaker disagreed.
“They retaliated by blowing the leaves straight back into the owner’s garden,” Mr Wagland said.
What followed was a small war of wind-powered revenge, each side volleying the leaves several times before the dust and foliage finally settled.
“This is a classic case where professional strata management can step in to mediate and set clear boundaries,” Mr Wagland said.
“We worked with both parties to agree on maintenance responsibilities, preventing further conflict.”
How many emails does it take to get a light bulb changed?
BATTLE OF THE BULB
Brisbane-based Archers’ manager, Wayne Hewitt said in a Brisbane complex there was a feud between two committee members on the same body corporate.
“They despised each other,” he said.
“One said yes – the other said no.
“Work orders would stall, and even replacing a $200 solar light could trigger a saga of emails.”
Mr Hewitt said the caretakers were afraid to so much as change a light bulb without explicit approvals.
Meanwhile, one committee representative would obsessively review CCTV footage to document minor infractions like unauthorised parking, flooding inboxes with demands for action.
“There are so many examples of harmonious strata communities, however this particular scenario highlights one of the more difficult challenges that can occur – navigating conflicting agendas,” Mr Hewitt said.
“We work to mediate disputes like this one, providing neutral guidance to committees, helping them find common ground and to keep their properties running smoothly.”
Archers Managing Director, Nicky Lonergan. Picture: Supplied
Ms Lonergan said professional body corporate managers were unbiased and had the knowledge, skills and time to address immediate and future issues, while also offering impartial advice.
“Often when a place has been self-managed and they’ve been figuring it out on their own, we come with a plan and their response is, ‘thank God, what a relief’,” she said.
“We’re proactive with setting meeting dates, organising sinking fund forecasts for maintenance and offering advice on correct actions to take.
“Decision making power can’t be delegated to strata managers but we can field emails from tenants, summarise them and offer advice based on the by-laws.”
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