Resources.
Rules for Living in Strata
Rules for Living in Strata
- Abandoned Items
The authority to dispose of abandoned items lies within the jurisdiction of the strata committee, often delegated to either the strata manager or building manager.
Abandoned belongings encompass articles left by prior occupants or tenants, as well as those left behind by non-residents within the complex.
The duration for retaining abandoned items before disposal varies based on their assessed value.
Owners who suspect the presence of abandoned belongings on communal premises are advised to reach out to either their strata manager or the strata committee. - By-Laws
By-laws constitute regulations binding all residents within a strata scheme.
They must:
– align with existing laws, irrespective of their enactment date.
– avoid being overly harsh, unfair, or oppressive.
– except in certain cases related to short-term rental accommodation, they cannot impede the sale or lease of a lot.
– not enforce a ban on children residing within the property.
– not hinder a resident from owning an assistance animal or disrupt its ability to fulfil its duties.
– not prohibit a resident from owning a pet, unless the pet poses significant disruption to other residents, such as being dangerous or belonging to a restricted breed.
Both existing and prospective property owners have the right to request a copy of the by-laws from the owners corporation, strata manager, or their real estate agent.
Tenants should obtain the by-laws from their landlord or appointed real estate agent.
Failure to adhere to by-laws may result in financial sanctions imposed by the Tribunal. - Noise
Consult your strata by-laws for guidance on acceptable noise levels, and also refer to rules set by your local council.
If noise becomes problematic, communicate with the resident responsible to address the issue. If resolution isn't reached, seek assistance from the owners corporation.
Should the problem persist despite efforts, both you and the owners corporation can engage in internal or external resolution procedures, which may involve mediation services. - Parking
Only residents are permitted to utilise designated resident parking spaces, while visitor parking spaces are exclusively for visitors' use. Parking reserved for emergency vehicles must not be occupied by anyone.
The owners corporation has the authority to regulate parking on common property.
Owners who violate parking by-laws may face repercussions from the owners corporation. - Pets
The owners corporation cannot prohibit pet ownership unless the pet causes disruptions to other residents.
Residents cannot be subjected to fees, bonds, or pet insurance requirements by the owners corporation.
As a tenant, pet permission is at the discretion of your landlord.
It may be necessary to inform the owners corporation prior to acquiring a pet.
Before contacting the owners corporation regarding pet-related issues, refer to your scheme's regulations and attempt to address concerns directly with the pet owner.
Assistance animals are exempt from any bans within strata schemes, and by-laws cannot impede their ability to fulfil their duties. - Repairs and Maintenance
Maintenance and repair of common property are the responsibility of the owners corporation, while individual owners are accountable for maintaining their own properties.
Owners are advised to request common property repairs through their strata manager or strata committee, while tenants should contact their landlord.
The owners corporation arranges and finances repairs to common property, which includes addressing any defects.
For projects valued at $30,000 or more, all schemes, regardless of size, must obtain a minimum of two independent quotes.
In cases of emergency repairs to common property, owners corporations may enforce levy payment within 14 days. - Renovations
Before undertaking renovations in your kitchen or bathroom, it's imperative to obtain permission. Similarly, alterations to walls, floors, or ceilings necessitate prior approval.
Cosmetic modifications that don't impact the property's structural integrity or require waterproofing generally do not mandate permission.
Reviewing your scheme's by-laws beforehand is essential to understand the necessary approvals and procedures for obtaining them.
Failure to adhere to the correct procedures may result in financial repercussions, potentially requiring restoration of the property to its pre-renovated state.
For more information on rules for living in strata, please visit: https://www.nsw.gov.au/housing-and-construction/living
(02) 8459 7361
PO Box 3047, Allambie Heights
69/42-46 Wattle Rd, Brookvale NSW 2100
www.stratarevolution.com
