Author: Lia de Sousa

The dynamic nature of today’s economy means that business risk exposures and insurance needs are changing more rapidly than ever. When was the last time you took a step back from the demands of running your Strata Management firm, to assess whether your business insurance is still adequate? Does it actively reduce your risk exposures?…

As a Strata Manager, your days are generally spent ensuring that the needs of your clients are met. Owners expect quick and timely action on all matters, particularly when it comes to claims! Whitbread understand that claims management comes with high expectations, and pressure from owners to achieve their desired outcome. Our consultants manage the…

The boom in short-stay internet accommodation sites like Airbnb has led to more and more Australians opening their doors to people they don’t know. But what happens if something goes wrong? Lia de Sousa, Whitbread’s General Manager | Strata, checks out what can happen at your strata property after strangers check-in. Increasing numbers of apartment…

In recent times, Strata Insurance has been a bone of contention for many Strata Managers and Owners Corporations (OC) across Australia. Non-compliant building materials, property defects, and hardening insurance markets have seen Strata Insurance premiums increase substantially, often with restrictive policy conditions and high excesses imposed. To help your OC navigate these challenging Strata Insurance…

From raging fires to torrential flooding, a critical event can occur at any given moment for the strata properties you manage. In early February 2019, a fire ripped through several balconies at the Neo200 building on Spencer Street in Melbourne. As a Strata Manager, how would you respond to a similar crisis at a property…

Have you hired a tradesperson, or appointed caretakers to carry out works on behalf of an Owners Corporation (OC)? Make sure they have the right tools for the job. Public Liability Insurance is essential and, as a Strata Manager, it’s your responsibility to ensure the tradies you engage have Public Liability Insurance protection. Why do…

With the Strata construction industry constantly evolving, and the introduction of new and complex legislation, the role of an insurance broker is more important than ever. In order to accurately underwrite a Strata Insurance policy, insurers are requiring a lot more information when placing new business or renewing Strata Insurance policies. Whitbread are Strata Insurance…

To ensure your strata building has adequate insurance protection, your Strata Manager engages a specialist insurance broker to obtain the most suitable Strata Insurance policy. When it comes to protecting the interior of a unit however, the onus falls on both unit owners and tenants. As an owner-occupier, landlord or tenant, are you aware of…