Strata lawyers
Get help to resolve disputes, manage units or submit a development proposal with a professional strata lawyer.
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With the increasing number of high-rise apartments and units in major Australian cities, the demand for professional strata lawyers that manage complex developments and disputes continues to grow. Strata title lawyers are specialised in the strata schemes, by-laws and new industry developments.
Whether you're a tenant, landlord or investor, relying on the legal assistance and advice of an expert strata lawyer can help you navigate the complexities of strata and ownership. Here's our guide to strata lawyers and how to get a free quote.
Where to get a free consultation for a strata lawyer
What is a strata lawyer?
The term 'strata' was introduced in 1961 by the NSW Parliament in reference to the division of ownership in apartment buildings. Strata titles govern the ownership of a single unit or 'lot' in a multi-level apartment. Strata laws also apply to retail stores in shopping centres, office spaces, retirement villages or resorts.
In residential apartments, the laws surrounding apartment lots require owners and tenants to abide by specific by-laws that oversee various rights and responsibilities such as the keeping of pets, storage facilities, presentation of the lot, fire safety and more.
Professional strata lawyers are experts in comprehending complex by-laws, strata title laws and regulations that differ across the state. Strata lawyers help you understand and defend your rights as a resident, tenant or the owner of a lot. Experienced strata lawyers can protect your rights, help resolve disputes between parties and manage the ownership of a property.
When should I use a strata lawyer?
It's common for owners or residents to seek support from a strata lawyer after a dispute arises. Experienced strata lawyers can provide legal advice at any stage of a contract, settlement or transition into a unit.
Strata lawyers can be beneficial before you purchase an apartment lot, invest in a new development or find yourself in a legal dispute with the owner. Here are some instances when you should consider hiring a strata lawyer:
Property development
Professional strata lawyers can help you navigate the legal requirements and regulations relating to an apartment development. Unlike a traditional standalone house, developing a unit requires specific approvals and plans. Strata lawyers can assist you in submitting development proposals and drafting contracts with contractors and technicians.
Seeking advice from a strata lawyer before your development commences can prevent future complications.
Requesting changes to an apartment
In a strata title, making changes to a unit you own requires a unique set of approvals. Changes to an apartment may require permission from various parties, especially when amendments relate to common or shared parts of the facility. Any changes to common property can affect the value of the individual properties.
Strata lawyers can help you get the required approvals and understand your rights under the relevant by-laws, which are legally binding documents that determine elements such as building works, repairs and maintenance.
Resolving a dispute
Hiring a strata lawyer can help you resolve a disagreement with a neighbour or the owner of a lot. Disputes such as noise complaints are likely to arise in apartments with many different residents.
Professional strata lawyers help resolve disputes by upholding your legal rights and helping you minimise future disputes. In serious cases, strata lawyers can negotiate on your behalf or provide legal representation in matters heard before a court.
Strata lawyers vs commercial lawyers
Strata lawyers are well versed in legislation relating to strata titles, by-laws and contracts. Although strata lawyers may work with commercial contracts and businesses, strata lawyers are specialised in the laws and requirements surrounding a strata title and the by-laws relating to ownership or tenancy.
A commercial lawyer assists businesses with matters such as taxation, consumer law, contract law, intellectual property, international trade, labour laws and more.
What do strata lawyers do and not do?
What they do
Hiring a professional strata lawyer provides property developers, owners and residents with the following services:
- Legal support in drafting development or redevelopment proposals
- Advice and support in purchasing a strata-title property
- Amendments or changes to by-laws
- Assistance in resolving disputes through legal and non-legal options
- Gathering evidence and handling legal documentation
What they don't do
- A professional strata lawyer does not provide services in other areas of law such as criminal law, family law, corporate law or taxation law.
How effective is a strata lawyer?
Experienced strata lawyers provide you with insight and give you the confidence to navigate complex strata titles and by-laws. With knowledge of strata laws relevant to commercial buildings, residential units and retail spaces, strata lawyers can provide legal advice and effective support for matters relating to a strata title.
Here's some more information on where to find free copyright lawyer quotes and online legal resources:
You can get free quotes from online lawyer marketplaces such as Lawpath. You can create a free account on Lawpath and submit a request for free quotes from strata lawyers. Lawpath provides you with three quotes from strata lawyers near you, giving you the option to compare quotes and connect with an experienced professional.
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