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Strata Levies: What You Need to Know

Levies (sometimes called strata fees or contributions) are regular payments made by all owners in a strata scheme. They ensure there are funds available to manage, maintain and improve your building, both now and in the future.

Below you’ll find answers to the most common levy questions, plus links to extra resources.

Where can I find a copy of my levy notice?

The easiest way to access levy notices is via My Portal.

How to login to My Portal.

How do I pay my levies?

Your Owners Corporation banks with Macquarie Bank and uses the DEFT payment system, giving you multiple ways to pay.

Payment Methods

  • BPAY – use your unique BPAY details.
  • Internet – log in or register at www.deft.com.au
  • Phone – pay from your bank account after registering at www.deft.com.au
  • Credit card – payments can be made online at www.deft.com.au (surcharge applies).
  • Direct Debit – set and forget by arranging automatic payments. View our guide here
  • Mail – send your payment slip and cheque to:
    DEFT Payment Sydney, GPO Box 4690, Sydney NSW 2001
  • Australia Post – pay in-store by cheque or EFTPOS.

What if I can’t pay my levies?

We understand that financial hardship can happen to anyone.

If you’re struggling to pay your levies

When are levies due?

Most schemes require levies to be paid quarterly and in advance on the first day of each quarter.
  • Due dates are set at a General Meeting.
  • Some schemes have monthly, six-monthly, or annual levies.
  • Special levies may also be raised at an Annual General Meeting (AGM) or Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) to cover unexpected or large costs.

We issue levy notices about a month before the due date and send courtesy SMS reminders if payment hasn’t been received.
If levies are not paid within 30 days after the due date, interest of 10% p.a. will apply as set out by legislation. This interest goes directly to your Owners Corporation, not Jamesons.

What are levy contributions?

Levies are split into funds that cover different types of expenses:

  • Administrative Fund – for day-to-day running costs like building insurance, utilities, and repairs and maintenance of common property.
  • Capital Works Fund – savings for major projects or future expenses such as painting, roof replacement, or lift upgrades.
  • Special Levies – raised when extra funds are needed, approved at a General Meeting.
Your regular levy payments are usually a combination of contributions to both the Administrative and Capital Works Funds.

Who decides how much the levies will be?

Each year, Jamesons prepares a draft budget for the Owners Corporation to review. At the AGM, owners vote to adopt a budget and determine the levy amounts for the year.

  • Administrative Fund – for day-to-day running costs like building insurance, utilities, and repairs and maintenance of common property.
  • Capital Works Fund – savings for major projects or future expenses such as painting, roof replacement, or lift upgrades.
  • Special Levies – raised when extra funds are needed, approved at a General Meeting.

Why have I been charged interest?

If payment is not received within one month of the due date, legislation requires a 10% p.a. interest rate to be applied. This helps maintain cash flow for your scheme.

  • All interest is paid into your Owners Corporation’s trust account.
  • Jamesons has no legal ability to waive interest.

Can interest or late fees be waived?

Yes, but only in limited circumstances.
  • You can request a waiver by emailing your Strata Manager, explaining the reasons for the late payment.
  • The committee must consider your request at either a Committee or General Meeting in line with strata legislation.

More on levies

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