
FAQ CATEGORY 30/06/22
How is unit entitlement calculated?
Unit entitlement is a number that shows an owners share of ownership in common property and how much they’ll pay to maintain it. It also affects voting power in decisions the owners corporation makes.
When a developer registers a strata plan, each lot is given a unit entitlement. Many people believe that unit entitlement is based on the size of the lot, but it’s not necessarily the case.
In November 2016 legislation changed and a valuers certificate is now required to be submitted with the plan showing how the unit entitlement was calculated.
If a strata plan was registered before November 2016 a valuation may not have been obtained the the calculation of the entitlements may not be known.
As an example, if there are two lots in a strata scheme, each worth $500,000, then the unit entitlement for each lot would be 50 out of 100. If one was worth $600,000 and the other $400,000 then the unit entitlements would be 60 for one and 40 the other.
If an owner or the owners corporation believes the unit entitlements are unfair they can apply to NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT) to make an order to reallocate the unit entitlements of the scheme.
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Unauthorised installation of hard-surface flooring in units can result in disputes between owners and owners corporations. If you are thinking about replacing carpet with timber, vinyl or hybrid floor coverings you should first review your by-laws and consider where issues may arise such as concerns about increased noise travelling to neighbouring units. An owner should apply for permission from their strata scheme before starting any work. The installation or replacement of wood or other hard floors is defined as a minor renovation therefore you may need approval at a general meeting if the committee have not been delegated the power to approval. To put yourself in the best position for a quick approval you should write to the strata manager [...]
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