The festive season is exciting when you’re winding down and gearing up for Christmas and the new year. Chances are you’re likely busy planning to spend time with your loved ones and looking forward to taking a much-needed break. While making fun plans is important for this time of the year, it’s also critical to consider how your holiday plans and celebratory gatherings may impact those around you. To help you out, we’ve compiled five tips for making the most of your property during the holidays while remaining considerate of your community.
If you’re planning to let out a room or your entire strata, body corporate or owners corporation property during the holidays, make sure you’re familiar with the laws in your state.
You should also review your property’s by-laws or building rules around short-term letting. Whether they’re Airbnb guests or just a friend who is house-sitting for you. Let your guests know about your property’s by-laws or building rules to minimise issues arising in your absence.
You can find the latest information on short-term letting laws via state government pages below:
If you plan on travelling this summer, you can enjoy peace of mind about your strata, body corporate or owners corporation property during the holidays if you know it is safe in your absence. With this in mind, switch off unnecessary lights, the internet, appliances, gas stoves, fridges, washing machine taps, etc., before travelling. Saving energy starts at home, and keeping your utility bills low can make all the difference.
If you own pets, plan for their stay. Consider making arrangements with friends, family or with a pet sitter while you’re away. Helping to preserve peace and tranquillity for neighbours and safeguarding against damage to common property in your absence.
Remember to keep the music on a reasonable volume if you’re hosting parties or gatherings in your strata, body corporate or owners corporation property during the holidays. All community members including hosts and guests, play a role in maintaining harmony by being respectful when hosting gatherings or using shared amenities within a strata property. Review your by-laws to help maintain your neighbour’s peaceful enjoyment of their property while protecting common areas from damage.
If you’re planning repairs or maintenance projects for your strata, body corporate or owners corporation property during the holidays, watch out for Christmas closure dates. Everyone deserves a break and quality time with family and friends, including your strata manager and maintenance team. So, try to plan any critical maintenance issues that need to be fixed and factor in any delays due to people being unavailable.
Even with all the planning and preparation, no one can anticipate an emergency in a strata, body corporate or owners corporation property during the holidays.
No one likes to have their holidays cut short or return home to problems, especially in the new year, so take note of emergency contact numbers and let your manager know where they can reach you in case of emergencies. You could also keep a pair of spare keys handy with a reliable neighbour or close-by family member if necessary.
To access our full range of strata resources or stay updated on regular updates, sign up to receive our quarterly newsletter. For a consultation to review your by-laws, our Kemps Petersons Legal team is at your service to assist (NSW only). Or, one of our team members can help you with a free assessment – it’s free and carries no obligation.
