More than 1.2 million people in NSW live in a strata property. If the owner of that property wishes to renovate it then being aware of the relevant legal rules involved is of critical importance including when the consent of the owners corporation is required.
The first step is to check the strata scheme’s by-laws as one or more of them might affect the proposed renovation in some way or regulate how that renovation is to be undertaken. Once that is determined, the type of work to be carried out has to be considered as each type has different consequences as follows:
Cosmetic work – This requires no owners corporation consent and involves minor internal work such as painting or installing hooks, nails, screws, handrails, blinds, curtains and built-in wardrobes.
Minor renovations – This needs approval by ordinary resolution of the owners corporation at a strata meeting i.e. more than 50% of the votes. Minor renovations include renovating a kitchen, changes to internal walls or installing or replacing timber floors, air-conditioning or electrical wiring or cabling.
Major renovations – This requires approval by a special resolution at an Annual General Meeting or other general meeting of the owners corporation with at least 75% of the votes in favour. Major renovations include any structural changes affecting common property, bathroom renovations and moving a structural internal wall. A Special By-Law providing details of the proposed renovations will have to be approved and supporting documents such as plans and engineering reports must be provided to the owners corporation.
Legal assistance should always be sought to navigate through all the complexities of this process so that the renovations can proceed and the owner can enjoy the fruits of the improvements to their property!
June 2025