FAQ CATEGORY 01/07/22

Renovations 3 – What are Major Renovations?

The type of approval you need depends on what classification is given to the work you are doing.

Major renovations – Approval required and likely a by-law
Major renovations need a special resolution vote at an annual general meeting (AGM) or other general meeting. This means no more than 25% of the votes cast are against it, based on unit entitlement.

The strata committee can’t approve major renovations.

Major renovations include:

  • structural changes (for example, moving a structural internal wall).
  • waterproofing such as bathroom renovations.
  • changes affecting the outside appearance of the property, such as an access ramp.
  • work that needs approval under other laws (for example, council approval).
  • changes to the ceiling or making a false ceiling.

If your work changes the structure of a lot (for example, removing a wall or installing ducted air conditioning), you must also give the owners corporation at least 14 days’ written notice before the work starts.

Your notice should describe how your renovations will change the property structure.

Each strata scheme is different and you need to check the by-laws before you start renovating so you know what approvals are needed and how to get them.

  •

    Who is entitled to vote at meetings - 14/12/22

    Owners automatically have the right to vote at strata meetings, as long as they don’t owe the scheme any unpaid levies. Here are the details noting a key reference being the date of the meeting notice. Meetings of the Owners Corporation Voting rights cannot be exercised if contributions not paid. A vote at a general meeting (other than a vote on a motion requiring a unanimous resolution) by an owner of a lot or a person with a priority vote in respect of the lot does not count if the owner of the lot was an unfinancial owner at the date notice of the meeting was given and did not pay the amounts owing before the meeting. Meetings of the [...]

  •

    How do I contact the Strata Committee? - 07/07/22

    If you are an owner ask your strata manager for their details or check the last annual general meeting minutes. The committee are appointed at each annual general meeting (AGM) so their names will be noted in the minutes. Alternatively if your strata scheme has a notice board check on there or if that fails take a walk around your complex and ask some of the owner-occupiers.