So you have just bought a strata apartment. There are some fundamental things that you should know or must do (by law) if you have just purchased a strata unit.

The following list is a simple list of the essentials which you are required to do by law:

• Name, address and contact details: Advise the strata manager of you full name, address and contact details so that your details can be recorded on the strata roll. Ideally your solicitor will have done this (see above) – but check. If your name is not recorded on the strata roll, you cannot vote. If you bought jointly with your wife, you can state a preference as to which name you want recorded first in the event of a dispute. If you have an email address you should provide it but this is not compulsory. The address you provide is the address to which all important documents will be sent. If you forget to change your address that is not an excuse for missing important meetings. The strata manager only has an obligation to send notice of meetings to the address recorded in the strata roll, make sure that it is right.
• Tenants: If you are not living in the property, you must advise if you have tenants, their names and the name and address of the agent who is managing the property for you. If you are a tenant all of the by-laws of the strata scheme apply to you as well.
• Pay outstanding levies: It is normal that outstanding levies (and sometimes other amounts of money) are paid on settlement, they are normally deducted from the sale price from the former owner. If for some reason this did not happen you are now liable for these debts as the new owner. You cannot vote until outstanding levies and any other monies that might be required to be paid have been paid.
• Attend meetings: Ensure that you find out when the first AGM is likely to be held and ensure that you attend.Volunteer for the executive committee.
• Take photos of problems and let the strata manager know: If you have a problem with your new apartment, take a photo and send it to the strata manager for their attention. Do this as quickly as possible if you are a new owner. Strata Renovations recently saw a photo of a large "hole in the kitchen floor" left there by the developer. It had been covered up by a fridge during the sale process and was not discovered until the new owner took possession.