5 tips to make the most of your strata property during the holidays

5 tips for making the most of your strata property over the holidays

These pointers will help you make the most of your strata property during the holidays just around the corner

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 making plans to spend time with your loved ones and looking forward to taking a much-needed break. While making fun plans is so important for this time of the year, it’s also critical to think about how your holiday plans and celebratory gatherings will impact that living around you. To help you out, we’ve compiled five tips for making the most of your strata property during the holidays while remaining considerate of your strata community too.

1. Respect state laws and by-laws

If you’re planning to let out a room or your entire strata property during the holidays, make sure you’re familiar with the laws in your state.

You should also go through 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, make sure to let your guests know about your property’s by-laws or building rules so that no issues arise in your absence. That way, you can ensure your holiday remains stress-free.

2. Put safety first

If you’re planning on travelling this summer, you’ll be able to enjoy peace of mind about your strata property during the holidays if you know it is safe in your absence. With this in mind, make sure to switch off unnecessary lights, the internet, appliances, gas stoves, fridges, washing machine taps, etc before you travel. Saving energy starts at home and keeping your utility bills low can make all the difference.

If you own pets, plan for their stay (elsewhere or with a pet sitter) while you’re away so that they do not create problems for neighbours or damage common property in your absence.

3. Fine-tune your party manners

If you’re hosting parties or gatherings in your strata property during the holidays, remember to keep the music on a reasonable volume. Everyone has the right to a peaceful life, so hosts and guests must be responsible when hosting gatherings or using shared amenities within a strata property. You can go through your by-laws to ensure you’re doing right by your neighbour’s peaceful enjoyment of their property while protecting common areas from damage.

4. Plan ahead for repairs and maintenance

If you’re planning repairs or maintenance projects for your strata property during the holidays, keep an eye out for Christmas closure dates. Everyone deserves a break and some quality time with family and friends, including your strata manager and maintenance team. So, try to plan in advance any critical maintenance issues that need to be fixed and factor in any delays due to people being unavailable.

5. Take note of important contact numbers

Even with all the advance planning and preparation, no one can anticipate an emergency situation in a strata property during the holidays.

No one likes to have their holidays cut short or return home to problems, especially in the new year, so make sure to take note of emergency contact numbers and let your manager know where they can reach you in case of emergencies. If necessary, you could also keep a pair of spare keys handy with a reliable neighbour or close-by family member.

To access our full range of strata resources or to stay up to date 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. Or, one of our team members can assist you with a free assessment – it’s free and carries no obligation.