Every owner or potential owner should do the following:

• Read the bylaws: You should obtain the latest by-laws for the building and read them (they should be attached to the contract of sale). Keep these for future reference. These are important. You can buy a copy of registered by-laws online. If you are a landlord you must provide a copy for your tenants.
• Read the notice board: The notice board will often contain important notices, read them. For example the notice board should advise when executive committee meetings will be held, orders from the Tribunal that apply to the Scheme, adjournment of meetings and minutes of meetings, schedules for fire safety inspections or notices relating to fumigation for pests etc. If the strata scheme does not have a notice board, it is in breach of the Act (except for a very few limited situations). If the notice board has not been maintained, complain and beware.
• Obtain a copy of the strata plan: It is important to obtain a copy of the strata plan, particularly in new buildings in order for you to know exactly what you own and what is common property. See the section on how to read a strata plan and the section above on how to obtain a new copy. A copy should have been provided with your contract of sale. Read and understand this document, if you are not clear you should consult your solicitor or conveyancer and ask for it to be explained to you. It is a very important document.
• Agency agreement: The Agency Agreement is the document that appoints and defines the responsibilities of your strata manager. They can vary enormously. It is wise to obtain a copy and read it. Get hold of a signed and executed agreement in order to be able to determine what power and authority has been delegated to the strata managing agent. Strata Renovations is often surprised to read Agency Agreements where the strata managing agent has no power whatsoever to act and every decision must be referred to the executive committee for action.