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

The festive season is an exciting time when you’re winding down and gearing up for the new year. You’re busy making plans to spend time with your loved ones and looking forward to taking a much needed break.

Here are some helpful pointers on how you can make the most of your strata property as you prepare for the festive season.

1. Keep your property safe.

Enjoy peace of mind knowing that your property is safe and cost-effective while you travel over the summer holidays. Switch off unnecessary lights, the internet, appliances on standby, 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.

2. Abide by the ‘house rules’.

If you’re planning to let out your property or a room for the holidays, make sure you’re familiar with the laws in your state. Recently, there’s been new NSW legislation around Airbnb-type short-term letting. You should also go through your property’s by-laws and planning regulations around short-term letting. Whether they’re Airbnb guests or just a friend who is house sitting for you, make sure to let them know about the by-laws and regulations of the property so that no issues arise in your absence. That way you can ensure your holiday remains stress-free.

3. Consider your party manners.

Remember to also keep the music on a reasonable volume. Everyone has a right to an enjoyable time, so hosts and guests must responsibly maintain common property and 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 appointments.

Keep an eye out for Christmas closure dates during the holidays. 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 – no one likes to have their holidays cut short or return home to problems, especially in the new year. Make sure to 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.

By putting these tips into practice, we wish you an enjoyable and relaxed happy holiday season whether you go away or chill out at home!

The information provided is a general guide only and is not intended as a substitute for legal advice. The company disclaims all responsibly and liability for any expenses, losses, damages and costs which might be incurred as a result of the information provided by the company.