Abandoned Items

Unattended or abandoned items left on common property can create safety hazards and affect the appearance of shared spaces. The strata committee—or their delegate, such as the strata or building manager—has the authority to identify, manage, and arrange the removal of these items. They could include furniture, personal belongings, or goods left behind by former residents or non-residents. Items are typically held for a set period, based on their assessed value, before they’re disposed of or donated. If you notice something that appears abandoned, don’t move it yourself—contact your strata manager or committee so it can be logged and dealt with appropriately.

By-Laws

By-laws are the rules that all residents in a strata scheme must follow. They must:

• Be consistent with state and federal laws, regardless of when they were introduced
• Not be harsh, unconscionable, or oppressive
• Not prevent the sale or lease of a lot (except in limited short-term rental cases)
• Not ban children from living on the property
• Not prevent residents from having an assistance animal
• Not ban pets unless they pose a genuine nuisance or safety risk.

Copies of by-laws can be obtained from the owners corporation, strata manager, or real estate agent. Tenants should request them from their landlord or agent. Failure to comply may result in penalties through the Tribunal.

Noise

Everyone deserves to enjoy their home, and that includes a bit of downtime, but we ask you to be respectful of your neighbours.

Noise regulations can vary depending on your building’s by-laws and local council rules, but excessive noise is usually covered in by-laws. Try speaking directly with the resident causing the issue. If that doesn’t resolve it, reach out to your strata committee or manager. Mediation services may be used for ongoing issues.

Parking

To keep things running smoothly, residents must use their designated parking spaces, and visitor spots are just that—strictly for guests. Emergency vehicle access zones must always be kept clear for safety reasons. If you’re expecting more visitors than there are available spaces, or if you have more vehicles than your lot allows, we encourage the use of nearby street parking where permitted.

Parking by-laws are in place to ensure fairness and safety, and repeated breaches may lead to action from the owners corporation. If you’re unsure where you can park, check your building’s parking plan or speak with your strata manager.

Pets

Pets can be a wonderful part of community life, but it’s important to follow the correct process. Owners corporations can’t impose a blanket ban on pets—they can only restrict those that cause serious disruption, nuisance, or risk to others. They may only prohibit pets that cause significant disruption or risk. Most schemes require pet applications to be submitted and approved before bringing an animal into the building.

All pets must also be registered with strata for transparency and safety.

Owners and tenants must check their scheme’s rules, and tenants also need landlord approval. Assistance animals are protected by law and cannot be refused. try speaking directly with the pet owner first—often a quick chat can resolve things. If not, your strata committee or manager can help manage the next steps.

Repairs & Maintenance

In general, the owners corporation looks after common property – like hallways, roofs, and shared plumbing – while individual lot owners are responsible for the upkeep inside their own units. In emergencies, the owners corporation may issue urgent levies payable within 14 days.

If you notice a problem with common property, report it to your strata manager or committee. Tenants should notify their landlord or agent, who can raise it through the appropriate channels.

• For common property issues, contact your strata manager or committee.
• Tenants should notify their landlord.

If you're planning maintenance to your lot, be sure to check what approvals you may need in advance—some works require written consent from the strata committee.

• Two quotes are required for any project over $30,000.

Renovations

Planning to make changes to your unit? It's important to understand what requires approval before you start. Any renovation that affects structural elements, waterproofing, walls, ceilings, or shared services generally needs written approval from the owners corporation.

These works often fall under “major renovations” and may also require a formal general meeting vote. Cosmetic changes—like painting, replacing carpet, or hanging shelves—usually don’t need approval, but it’s still wise to double-check your scheme’s by-laws.

Starting unauthorised work can lead to penalties or orders to reinstate the property. To avoid surprises or delays, speak with your strata manager first and review the NSW Government’s strata living guidelines for more detailed information.

For more information, visit the NSW Government’s strata living page.