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The state has officially outlawed the practice of strata communities demanding bonds or fees to keep pets under a slew of reforms that have come into effect.
The Strata Legislation Amendment Bill 2023 (the Bill) makes 31 reforms to NSW’s strata legislation, primarily focusing on the rights of pet owners in multidwelling communities.
The new rules prohibit an owner’s corporation from charging a fee, bond, or insurance for keeping a pet. It is also now easier for people with assistance animals to prove to an owner’s corporation their animal’s “assistance” status.
In addition, the new laws close some loopholes in the strata renewal process to make it more transparent, by expanding requirements to disclose conflicts of interest.
Now, owners will have to disclose whether they have a pecuniary or other interest in the strata renewal proposal, including when the owner is related to the proposed purchaser of the strata building, or has made a competing offer to buy the building.
The bill also tightens some controls on strata and association committee members, like lowering voting thresholds for removing members and restricting when removed members can re-serve.
Other changes include requiring at least two quotes for proposed work costing more than $30,000 and allowing an owner’s corporation to require levy payments in 14 days for emergency repairs.
Organisations with a vested interest in strata communities across the state participated in a consultation process to draft the legislation, including Animal Care Australia, the Strata Community Association, Tenants’ Union of NSW, and the Owners Corporation Network.
With the state approaching a period of rapid home building and apartment blocks expected to account for many of the homes the state will build, these laws will impact an increasingly large proportion of the state’s residents.
As the state’s strata and property services commissioner, John Minns, noted:
“More than 1 million people live in strata communities in NSW. With 50 per cent of Greater Sydney residents expected to live in a strata complex by 2040, it is important we get these changes made now to provide residents with security for themselves and their furry friends.”
He said the new laws came in response to requested updates from the community and representational bodies.
“Owners, renters and organisations called for change, and we are listening,” he said.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Juliet Helmke
Based in Sydney, Juliet Helmke has a broad range of reporting and editorial experience across the areas of business, technology, entertainment and the arts. She was formerly Senior Editor at The New York Observer.
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