Improving life for the strata community
A NSW Government report into strata schemes legislation has made 139 recommendations which will improve the lives of those living in strata communities.
Minister for Better Regulation Kevin Anderson said the report on the statutory review of the Strata Schemes Management Act 2015 and the Strata Schemes Development Act 2015 recommends a range of legislative and other changes to make improvements in the NSW strata sector.
“There are more than 83,000 strata schemes registered in NSW and these recommended reforms will work to strengthen the NSW strata sector,” Mr Anderson said.
“In order to better protect strata residents, the NSW Government will introduce new powers for Fair Trading to order the rectification of serious defects. Owners’ corporations will also be required to undertake maintenance in a timely fashion so residents aren’t stung with costly repair bills after years of disrepair.
“The report also recommends outlawing unfair long term electricity supply contracts, and other contracts taken out by developers, in what will be a significant saving for owners corporations.”
Executive Officer of the Owners Corporation Network Karen Stiles welcomed the findings of the report.
“The Owners Corporation Network welcomes the proposed reforms, which are overwhelmingly positive,” Ms Stiles said.
“In particular, we support the provision of education, better information and guidance to owners, the clarification of various issues that can lead to confusion and dispute, and the new ability for NSW Fair Trading to order rectification of a building where failure to maintain and repair poses a risk to residents.”
The review has already led to important changes after new laws for keeping animals in strata schemes came into force in August this year.
Other recommendations of the review include:
- Digitising key strata records to save strata communities time, effort and money
- supporting flexible management and administrative arrangements
- detailed minimum requirements for 10-year capital works fund plans
- providing enhanced training for strata committees, and streamlined mechanisms to resolve disputes
- changes to governance and disclosure arrangements to balance diverse interests in mixed use schemes.
A copy of the report and more information are available on the Help shape the future of strata in NSW page.