Strata Law Review

The NSW Government is undertaking a review of strata laws and wants community feedback on how the laws can be changed to better support people living or working in strata schemes.
 
The review focuses on the Strata Schemes Development Act 2015 and the Strata Schemes Management Act 2015
 
SCA (NSW) are compiling a comprehensive response on the Strata Law Review and we’re inviting members to provide feedback that we can assimilate into our response to better represent our member’s responses.
 
If you have a comment or concern about the law review, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us via email president.nsw@strata.community by 12 March 2021.

In addition to the statutory review of the Strata Schemes Management Act 2015 and Strata Schemes Development Act 2015 a third survey has been added about the keeping of animals in strata. The additional survey is in response to a requirement introduced by the Strata Schemes Management Amendment (Sustainability Infrastructure) Act 2021, assented to on 24 February 2021.
 
The new provision requires the Minister to review the strata management laws as they relate to the keeping of animals in strata and to table a report in both Houses of Parliament by August 2021.   
 
The Act also changes the law in relation to animals in strata so that from later this year:

  • a by-law, or an owners corporation’s decision under a by-law, has no force or effect if it unreasonably prohibits the keeping of an animal on a lot.
  • keeping an animal on a lot is reasonable, unless it interferes with another occupant’s use or enjoyment of their lot, or the common property.
  • regulations may be developed outlining the circumstances where the keeping of an animal interferes with another occupant’s use or enjoyment of their lot, or the common property. 

Responses to the pets survey, in addition to responses related to pets provided as part of the broader review of the strata laws, will assist in the development of the regulations.
 
The additional survey is hosted on the NSW Governments’ Have Your Say website .

Further information can be found on the Have Your Say website or be emailing stratareview@customerservice.nsw.gov.au