As of 1 July 2025, significant reforms to strata laws in New South Wales have come into effect. These changes aim to enhance transparency, accountability, and fairness within strata communities. As a landlord, it's crucial to understand how these updates may impact your property management practices and obligations.
Key Changes Affecting Landlords
Strata managing agents are now required to provide more detailed information to owners' corporations about their services and relationships. This includes disclosing any conflicts of interest and ensuring that all financial dealings are transparent. These measures are designed to increase accountability and protect owners from potential misconduct.
The new laws make it simpler for owners to obtain approval for minor renovations. This change aims to streamline the process and reduce administrative burdens, allowing for timely improvements to properties.
The reforms introduce measures to protect owners from unfair contract terms, particularly in dealings with developers and service providers. This includes stricter rules on developers and improved protections for owners entering into new utility contracts, such as those involving embedded networks.
Landlords must now accommodate requests for the installation of accessibility infrastructure and provide evidence that an animal is an assistance animal. These changes are part of broader efforts to make strata living more inclusive and supportive of residents' needs.
Strata committee members, including the chairperson, now have additional duties to ensure the effective management of the strata scheme. These responsibilities include overseeing compliance with the new laws and ensuring that the interests of all owners are represented.
How Landlords can Prepare
Understanding and adapting to these changes will help you manage your strata property effectively and ensure compliance with the new regulations.
