With the growing number of people in capital cities residing in strata schemes, and the increased number of strata schemes, disputes involving strata schemes are becoming increasingly prevalent.
In New South Wales, one relevant piece of legislation is the Strata Schemes Management Act 2015 (the Act).
Section 218 of the Act provides that an owners corporation for a strata scheme may establish a voluntary process for resolving disputes between any one or more owners of lots in the scheme, other interested persons, the owners corporation, the strata committee, the strata managing agent and the building manager.
The Act also provides for a process of mediation of any matter which may ultimately be brought in the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal.
The NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal deals with disputes involving strata schemes.
The Tribunal may make various types of orders relating to strata schemes as set out at sections 229 to 238 of the Act inclusive.
Often disputes involving strata schemes benefit greatly from the early identification of the real issues in dispute and an effective strategy for their resolution.