Use of residential section for business
In today’s modern and economically tough times, it is becoming more common for professional people with their own businesses to work from a home office. This is quite likely in…
insurance
Generators in the body corporate environment
[Updated: 22 August 2025] More and more building owners are installing generators to provide backup electricity power. These are usually larger schemes with more extensive common property lighting, security and…
Sectional title insurance and technology
[Updated: 1 September 2025] When I first wrote on this topic a decade ago, the landscape looked very different: “We weren’t told about that!” was a common trustee reaction. Lack…
Insurance premium and sectional title legislation
[2025 update] The obligation for sectional title schemes to maintain proper building insurance remains one of the most critical legal and fiduciary duties of a body corporate. Legislative foundation Both…
A property owner’s guide to preventing damage and liability
Preventing loss or damage is the responsibility of the property owner – ensure that your buildings are properly maintained and kept in good repair. Neglect or inadequate maintenance Insurers cannot,…
OHS and sectional title insurance
[Updated: 14 October 2025] The topic of occupational health and safety (OHS) has once again become a focal point, especially since the publication of the OHS Act Construction Regulations, 2014…
Liability and body corporate gym equipment
[Updated: 16 October 2025] There are additional risks to consider where a body corporate has its own internal gym equipment, particularly when weights are involved. What happens if someone is…
Insurance and duet sectional title schemes
[Updated: 01 July 2025] Can we, as owners in a body corporate duet, arrange individual policies for our respective units and forego insuring as a body corporate under one policy?…
How to deal with illegal structures
[Updated: 30 May 2025] Illegal structures erected by sectional title owners remain a persistent challenge in community schemes. Let’s explore a common example and unpack the implications: The scenario An…
Swimming pool safety requirements, guidelines, and best practices
(Updated 6 January 2025) There are regulations pertaining to safety ‘in and around’ swimming pools that relate to private swimming pools. Swimming pools that are situated in the grounds of…