Laws & Regulations

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Understanding By-Laws in Strata Living: What They Are and How We Can Help

In a strata community, shared spaces and responsibilities go hand in hand. To ensure everything runs smoothly, each building is governed by a set of...

What Does a Strata Manager Do in NSW? A Complete Guide for Owners and Committees in 2025

Managing a strata property in NSW involves more than just paying levies or organising repairs. It requires knowledge of legislation, strong financial...

The Role of a Strata Committee in NSW: Why It Matters More Than Ever

Strata living offers many benefits; shared amenities, collective decision-making, and often, a strong sense of community. But all of this depends on...

A Complete Guide to Renovating a Strata Property in NSW 2025

Renovating your strata property in NSW is an exciting opportunity to modernise your space, increase property value, and enhance liveability. However,...

Sustainable Strata Living: How NSW Strata Schemes Can Go Green & Save Money

Sustainability is becoming an essential part of how we live, work, and manage our properties. In NSW, strata schemes play a crucial role in reducing...

The RBA Rate Cut: What It Means for You and Your Strata Community

The Reserve Bank of Australia has cut the cash rate by 0.25 basis points  to 4.10%, a shift that could ease financial pressure for many apartment...

Upcoming Fire Safety Legislation Changes – What Strata Owners Need to Know 

New South Wales will implement significant changes to fire safety regulations through the Environmental Planning and Assessment (Development...

Upcoming Changes to Strata Management in NSW: What You Need to Know

The strata management industry in NSW is set to undergo significant reforms with the introduction of the Strata Managing Agents Legislation Amendment...

Short Term Rentals in Strata Buildings: What Owners Need to Know

With the rise of platforms like Airbnb, many apartment owners and investors are exploring new income opportunities. One popular option is Airbnb...

Plumbing In Your Strata Managed Property -Who Is Responsible?

When living in a strata property, plumbing issues can be both frustrating and complex. Given that plumbing systems often run through multiple units...

How to Weatherproof Your Home for Winter

At this time of year, you might have identified some cold draughts or areas of water damage that need to be fixed, or you may be thinking about ways...

What Is A Certificate Of Currency & How To Get One

When you are looking to either buy or refinance a property, which includes an apartment, townhouse or villa that is part of a strata complex, you are...

Winter Strata Protection: Rising Damp, Mould, and Prevention Best Practices in Strata Buildings

Maintaining a healthy living environment in your strata scheme is crucial for the well-being of residents and the structural integrity of the...

Who Do You Complain to if Your Strata Manager Isn’t Pulling Their Weight?

Strata managers are here to make strata living easy and enjoyable, but a strata manager who isn’t performing their job effectively can actively...

Why Great Strata Management is Customised Strata Management

If you lifted the roof on your strata property and peered inside, you’d see that the property and the lives of its residents are completely unique....

4 Key Signs Your Strata Manager Could be Old-Fashioned (and Making Life Harder)

A modern approach to strata management can make life far easier and smoother for strata owners. So how do you know if your current strata manager is...

Who Manages Strata for My Apartment? Getting to Know Your Strata Manager

If you’ve just moved into your new apartment or strata property in NSW, you might be wondering exactly how this whole strata thing works. What...

How Does a Strata Manager Differ from a Property Manager?

Is property management the same as strata management? Well some say we are all the same as we work in the property industry, but at times we should...

Times When Using a Professional Strata Manager Proves Invaluable

Your strata scheme has the option of using a strata manager in NSW, but how do you know if this will provide genuine value? The right professional...

Strata Managers Must be Licensed in NSW. What Does This Mean?

Strata schemes in NSW can either be self-managed or managed by a licensed strata manager. The majority of schemes choose to work with a licensed...

What Do Strata Management Fees and Charges Cover?

Strata management fees may feel like just another cost to strata owners. But what exactly is covered in this cost? While the specifics vary between...

Your Guide to Understanding the Rental Bond Scheme

It’s one of the most frustrating parts about moving from one rental property to another – organising the bond for a new place when you haven’t...

What To Look For In A Good Strata Manager – Do You Have One?

Naturally, some needs and expectations a property owner has of their strata manager can be negotiated on an individual basis. There are some basic...

What Does a Commercial Strata Manager Do?

Commercial strata schemes may come in many different forms, including office buildings, factories, shopping centres, car parks, or combinations of...

How Australia’s New Subletting Legislation Will Affect Airbnb

On 5th June 2018, the NSW state government revealed a new set of legislations that would have big impacts on strata inhabitants and short-stay...

The Value of Using a Local Strata Manager

Choosing a strata manager with local expertise guarantees they’ll be trained and experienced to handle all your unique requirements and issues that...

A Word on Strata Manager Contracts

Is your strata manager not meeting the mark? Whether it’s an issue of inadequate maintenance, fund deficits, general disorganisation or anything...

Troubles with Strata Managing Agents – and How to Avoid Them

Strata managing agents are responsible for the day-to-day administration and management of matters within your strata scheme. Your strata manager...

A Word on Leasing Out Your Strata Unit

Whether you’re moving overseas for six months or have just purchased an investment strata property, leasing out your unit can bring in welcome...

The Role of a Strata Manager vs Property Manager

Strata manager and property manager: they’re the same thing, right? Not so much. Although they’re both useful within the real estate industry, a...

What Does a Strata Manager Do?

Ever wonder what a strata manager does? You’re not alone. There are many people who are new to living in strata schemes and feel unsure of what the...

How has the Role of the Strata Manager Changed?

In our video series Michael Vumbaca, General Manager at Jamesons Strata discusses how the role of a strata manager has changed. At Jamesons, we...

How Do the New Laws Address Short Term Letting?

In our video series Michael Vumbaca, General Manager at Jamesons Strata discusses how the new laws address short term letting. With the growing...

Can I Let out My Strata Unit Short-Term?

Our strata managers in Sydney are sometimes asked about letting out strata units on short-term sites such as Airbnb and Stayz, and it’s difficult...

Accessing NSW Strata Management Services in Rural Regions

Traditionally it’s been a challenge finding the right strata management agency in regional and rural areas of Australia. Even if you can find...

What is the role of a strata manager?

If you rent or own an apartment, office or commercial space, you deserve to know that the building complex is properly being maintained and managed....

How to Change Strata Managers

The best-run strata schemes generally depend on the expertise and sound judgement of experienced, professional strata managers. It’s not uncommon...

How Do Strata Managers And Property Managers Differ?

There are significant differences between strata managers and property managers which are often confused by lot owners and residents in strata titled...

7 Signs of Efficient Strata Management

Most apartment blocks have strata managers. These are fully licensed professionals trained to deal with the everyday needs of a strata scheme. A...

Strata Managers and Property Managers: The Difference between the Two

Many think that these two terms mean the same thing, but they actually don’t. Although constantly used interchangeably by some people, these two...

The Importance of Having a Licensed Strata Manager

In strata title management, owners, whether these are investors or occupiers, have the option to self-manage or hire a strata manager to do all the...

Qualities of a Good Strata Manager

Choosing an effective strata manager is key to successful and satisfying strata living. However, many property owners or body corporate often do not...

An update on the highly anticipated invoice approval and document management system

Due to some interface upgrades the roll out of our much anticipated invoice approval system and document management system has been slightly delayed....

Everything You Need to Know About Installing Air Conditioning in a Strata Scheme

As temperatures rise across NSW, many apartment residents are considering air conditioning solutions to stay cool. But when you live in a...

A guide to your Work Health Safety obligations as a strata property owner

At Jamesons Strata Management, we’re committed to ensuring that your strata property is safe, comfortable, and well-managed. One key aspect of this...

Short Term Rentals in Strata Buildings: What Owners Need to Know

With the rise of platforms like Airbnb, many apartment owners and investors are exploring new income opportunities. One popular option is Airbnb...

Common Strata Disputes and How to Resolve Them

Living in close proximity to others in a strata scheme can be fantastic for social connections and access to shared amenities and common property....

New Pet Reform Laws – Why You May Need a New By-Law

Australia has one of the highest rates of pet ownership in the world. We’ve got over 29 million furry companions as a nation, with about 61% of all...

Everything you need to know about Strata Hub

“Strata Hub” is a NSW Government initiative created to increase transparency, provide better regulation, and improve engagement for all...

Ask an expert: Response to “Power Struggle: Doctor forced to sell electric car after his building removed the power point”

Industry response to article titled “Power Struggle: Doctor forced to sell electric car after his building removed the power point” published by...

Next Steps for the 5 Most Common Strata Complaints in NSW

Life in strata can be brilliant – you can have access to great amenities at a fraction of the cost and enjoy a harmonious neighbourhood thanks...

The Most Common Balcony Dramas in Strata – And Possible Solutions

Our balconies are where we go to soak up the sunshine and take in the view – but they can also be a source of angst for a surprisingly high number...

Roof Leak Repairs in Strata: Who’s Responsible and Who Pays?

With recent heavy rainfall, leaks have been a recurring frustration experienced by many of our clients. In such times, it is important to know, who...

What are the Expectations for Common Area Maintenance in Strata?

Most property needs maintenance as time goes on, whether we’re talking about foyers, hallways, staircases, elevators, roofs or swimming pools....

Rules On Having The Puurrfect Companion In Your Strata Managed Property

Did you know that Australia has one of the highest rates of pet ownership in the world? According to the RSPCA, Australians own over 29 million pets...

Airbnb & Strata Managed Properties: What You Need To Know

If you are the owner or occupier of a lot on a strata property, you may have considered leasing out your property while you are away. Also known as...

What You Need To Know About Rubbish Disposal In Strata Living

As apartment and strata living becomes more common, waste disposal has become more of an issue. Nobody enjoys having, seeing or smelling rubbish near...

I Feel Like My Strata Property Is Overpopulated – What Are My Options?

As Australia’s population continues to grow at a staggering rate, more and more people are choosing to live in strata properties in our capital...

Storm Damage Vs Flood Damage – Why The Difference Matters

Reading the fine print on insurance is a task that no one enjoys. However, it is crucial to pay attention to the details of your insurance,...

Mailbox Theft In Strata Managed Properties: What Steps Can You Take?

Over the past year, the Australian Federal Police have reported an increase in identity fraud, credit card fraud and other such scams. In fact,...

The Common Seal In Strata Explained (And We’re Not Talking About The Marine Animal!)

When it comes to strata living, the common seal isn’t one of those adorable animals that you might see at a zoo. Instead, it’s a type of rubber...

Parking Disputes In Your Strata Managed Property – What Should You Do?

Though there are many great things to love about Sydney, a general lack of parking spaces isn’t one of them. The busier a street is, the more...

My Balcony Is Leaking! What’s The Cause & Who’s Responsible?

While balconies are a highly popular feature in apartment buildings, they can sometimes cause major headaches rather than being places of relaxation...

What You Need To Know About Sun Drying Your Clothes In Strata Properties

It’s not rocket science, but it’s worth repeating nonetheless: drying your clothes out on a clotheshorse on your balcony is better for the...

The False Alarm Charge & How To Avoid It

Having an automatic fire alarm system installed at your strata property might seem like a no-brainer to ensure everyone’s safety, but they can have...

Are You Prepared For Sydney’s Unpredictable Weather? Why You Should Consider Catastrophe Cover

Though the weather in Sydney is often sunny, warm, and the envy of others, this can change at the drop of a hat. A cloudless sky can quickly fill...

What You Should Know About Broadband And NBN In Your Strata Property

The Australian National Broadband Network (NBN) is being rolled out, promising to finally get Australia on par with other developed countries when it...

Managing Noise Levels In Your Building – What’s Acceptable?

Strata living has many upsides, including shared costs, a lot of ways you can engage in decision-making processes and, ideally, a friendly community...

How to Improve Your Strata Apartment Without Needing Permission

Minor and major renovations in your apartment or townhouse do require permission from your owners corporation, however anything classed as...

How Can I Improve the Noise Insulation of My Strata Apartment?

It can be upsetting when your strata neighbour is walking through their apartment wearing what seem to be wooden clogs, but what if you’re the one...

Can I Install Solar at my NSW Strata Property?

It makes a lot of sense to install solar panels wherever possible to make the most of free energy from the sun and cut down on electricity costs, but...

What Can I Change in My Strata Property’s Backyard?

If you’ve been looking at your backyard and thinking it needs some work, it’s worth taking a moment to consider the boundaries and by-laws of...

Electric Car Assessments for Sydney Strata Schemes

Tesla fans, listen up! If your strata scheme is located within the City of Sydney, you could now register for a free assessment and roadmap for...

A Word on Strata Parking (and Parking Fines)

You may have heard that Willoughby Council now has agreements to issue parking fines on some of its local strata properties, and that the City of...

My Neighbour’s Throwing Cigarette Butts on My Balcony – What Can I Do?

As can happen in any shared living environment, there is always the risk of someone’s actions becoming a problem for another resident in a strata...

Common Strata Disputes and How to Resolve Them

Within the NSW strata guidelines there are a range of useful procedures to deal with common strata issues and strata disputes. Find solutions to some...

Can the New NSW Strata Reforms Improve My Parking Situation?

Have you been frustrated by the parking situation within your Sydney strata? That’s probably fair enough, as city workers commonly take advantage...

How can Owners Deal with Disposed Goods on Common Property?

In our video series Michael Vumbaca, General Manager at Jamesons Strata discusses how owners can deal with disposed goods on common property. In...

How Have The New Laws Affected Strata Insurance?

In our video series Michael Vumbaca, General Manager at Jamesons Strata discusses how the changes have affected strata insurance. This is one of...

How to Connect Your Apartment to the NBN

A strata group is working with the National Broadband Network (NBN) to ensure that apartment owners have the chance to hook up to fast internet....

Who Repairs Fences Dividing Neighbours in a Strata Scheme?

Fencing is one of the most common sources of friction between neighbours, and this is just as likely within a strata scheme as it is between house...

Reporting Noisy Neighbours In NSW Strata Blocks

While noise nuisance is a major problem for residents around Australia, the issue can be even more troublesome for apartment and unit residents. With...

What To Do When Your Apartment Springs A Leak

When dealing with property emergencies within strata schemes, there is a standard procedure to follow. If you discover a leak in or around your...

A Body Corporate / Manager’s Guide to Dealing with Difficult Tenants

Living in a strata scheme means having different people from different backgrounds trying to live harmoniously together under one shared roof. With a...

The Jamesons quick guide to the NBN & Pipe Networks

What is this NBN thing all about, and is it worth worrying about? Here are some quick facts for you to be aware of if your building has been...

There Is No Gas In My Unit

Gas supply seldom fails and the cause is most likely to be a fault with the appliance you are using. Gas appliances within a unit are the...

There is a Burst Water Pipe

If water suddenly starts running out of a wall, ceiling or floor it obviously should not be ignored and you should contact your strata manager...

Water is leaking from the unit above and has caused damage to the ceiling paintwork and to my carpet. Who is responsible for payment of the repairs?

The ceiling is generally considered common property and the Owners Corporation’s responsibility to repair. The lot owner is responsible however...

Is the balcony door my responsibility to repair and maintain?

Under the terms of The Strata Schemes Freehold Development Act 1973, any wall (including the door and door locks) between a unit and its balcony is...

The timber ductwork around the sewage pipe in my bathroom is leaking. The sewer pipe comes from the unit above and my toilet connects into it. Do I have to repair the ducting and the pipe as it is within my unit?

The Owners Corporation is responsible for the repair as the ducting encloses structural cubic space. Structural cubic space is automatically common...

I have accidentally reversed into my garage door. Who is responsible for the repairs?

You should contact your Strata Manager who can inform you whether the garage door is Strata or Individual Owner responsibility. If the garage door...

I need a copy of the By-Laws

Each property will have a varied set of By-Laws for their property depending on the make up of the scheme. They may also have special By-Laws that...

Strata Levies: What You’re Paying For, How They’re Set, and Why They May Go Up

Strata Levies: What You’re Paying For, How They’re Set, and Why They May Go Up Strata levies are one of the most frequently misunderstood parts...

Rental Law Reforms Now in Effect Across NSW

The NSW Government has introduced significant changes to residential tenancy laws that affect both landlords and tenants. These changes are part of...

NSW Strata Law Reforms from 1 July 2025: A Detailed Overview

Big changes are coming to NSW strata laws from 1 July 2025. Learn what they mean for your building—from renovations and accessibility to committee...

Pets in Strata & Rentals: What You Need to Know in 2025

Thinking of adding a furry (or feathered) friend to your home? You’re not alone. With more people choosing apartment and strata living, the desire...

Understanding By-Laws in Strata Living: What They Are and How We Can Help

In a strata community, shared spaces and responsibilities go hand in hand. To ensure everything runs smoothly, each building is governed by a set of...

The Role of a Strata Committee in NSW: Why It Matters More Than Ever

Strata living offers many benefits; shared amenities, collective decision-making, and often, a strong sense of community. But all of this depends on...

Further Proposed Amendments to the Strata Schemes Management Act 2015

The NSW Government announced more amendments to the Strata Schemes Management Act 2015 and Community Land Management Act 2021 that will impact owners...

Upcoming Fire Safety Legislation Changes – What Strata Owners Need to Know 

New South Wales will implement significant changes to fire safety regulations through the Environmental Planning and Assessment (Development...

Upcoming Changes to Strata Management in NSW: What You Need to Know

The strata management industry in NSW is set to undergo significant reforms with the introduction of the Strata Managing Agents Legislation Amendment...

Short Term Rentals in Strata Buildings: What Owners Need to Know

With the rise of platforms like Airbnb, many apartment owners and investors are exploring new income opportunities. One popular option is Airbnb...

What Is A Certificate Of Currency & How To Get One

When you are looking to either buy or refinance a property, which includes an apartment, townhouse or villa that is part of a strata complex, you are...

Federal Budget 2024  – the impact for apartment owners

When the Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers handed down this year’s budget in mid-May 2024 it looked like not much change for apartment owners at...

The Design Building Practitioners Act – Compliance Implications

As you are likely aware, the NSW Government has created legislation associated with certain major works. The Design & Building Practitioners Act...

Introducing the Design Building Practitioners Act

In an initiative to further protect consumers, the NSW Government has created new legislation associated with major works. The Design & Building...

What do changes to the Community Land Management Act mean for you?

As defined by Fair Trading NSW, community, precinct and neighbourhood schemes are “forms of land title that help in subdividing and developing land...

What Happens if Someone Breaches Strata Rules?

If you’re living in a strata property or are planning to, you’ll likely be aware that there are strata by-laws in place that shape the way of...

Apartments & Fire Doors: What Are The Regulations?

Whether at a hotel, at work, or someplace else entirely, we’ve all had to deal with fire doors at certain points. These large, heavy doors are...

Your Guide To The Amended NSW Plumbing & Drainage Laws

As a strata committee member, one of your tasks is to stay on top of new legislation and regulations to make sure that your strata scheme complies...

What Are Tenants’ Rights in A Sydney Strata Scheme?

You probably hear a lot about strata rights of owners and responsibilities within a strata scheme, but are things different for a tenant who rents a...

Do Strata Laws Apply if We Live in a Duplex?

A duplex or strata scheme with only two lots can be an ideal living situation for many people. This type of set-up often provides an easy lifestyle...

The New Rules on Smoking in Strata

Back in 2015, we outlined that there may be new changes to the New South Wales strata laws regarding the definition and addressing of nuisance smoke....

Methods to Resolve Strata By-Law Breaches

Strata living on the whole is a harmonious and enjoyable experience, largely thanks to the individual by-laws that define a strata scheme’s rules....

How do the New Laws Affect Smoking in Strata?

In our video series Michael Vumbaca, General Manager at Jamesons Strata discusses how the new laws affect smoking in strata. It’s very...

How do the New Laws Affect Parking in Strata?

In our video series Michael Vumbaca, General Manager at Jamesons Strata discusses how the new laws affect parking in strata. Parking in a strata...

Developers and the NSW Strata Law Reforms

The new NSW strata law reforms brought in on 30 November last year have brought in a number of new regulations that affect developers who are...

Good News for Residents from the 2016 NSW Strata Law Reforms

Many of the existing NSW strata laws simply don’t reflect our modern way of living and little wonder – they’ve been in place for around 55...

New Strata Laws To Eliminate Smoking

Nuisance cigarette smoke is among the items targeted in the major reform of NSW strata management laws currently in process. This is the most...

8 Things You Need to Know About Strata Management Laws

The whole area of strata ownership and management can be a tricky one. Many home buyers and investors are confused about what a strata scheme is, and...

New Strata Laws Could Affect Smoking on Balconies

Living in a strata scheme comes with its own set of challenges, and rules to follow. Each strata scheme will have its own by-laws which are designed...

Can I Renovate My Kitchen Under the New Strata Laws?

When it comes to kitchen renovations, living in a strata unit or apartment can be complicated. In some strata complexes, the body corporate will...

Child-Proofing of Windows in Strata Complexes Now Compulsory

Government strata legislation has made it compulsory for windows that are two metres or more above the ground to have safety devices fitted to...

Deadline extended AGAIN for swimming pool compliance legislation

The state government has been forced to extend the deadline of the new legislation that stops people selling homes with pools without their...

Swimming Pool Compliance

A peace of lifestyle luxury, now with a touch of compliance. New legislation for the sale or lease of a property with a pool will apply from 29 April...

Changes to Window Legislation

Window legislation laws have changed so here are some important things you need to know to be prepared!  Changes in both Volumes of BCA...

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