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NSW: What determines whether an asbestos register motion is needed in strata?

Published March 31, 2026 By Matthew Lo  Question: Is the strata manager required to include an asbestos register motion at the first AGM, or can they only include motions requested by owners? When a strata manager first takes over management of a scheme, are they required to include a motion at the first AGM about obtaining information…

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NSW: Do existing strata by-laws conflict with new NSW strata legislation?

Published March 31, 2026 By Matthew Lo Leave a Comment Last Updated March 31, 2026 Question: Would any clauses in our current by-laws conflict with the new NSW strata legislation? Should our owners corporation consider reviewing or updating our by-laws and policies? Answer: There is significant benefit in owners corporations reviewing their by-laws and policies to ensure they are consistent with…

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NSW: Q&A What counts as sustainability infrastructure under the new rules?

Published January 13, 2026 By Matthew Lo  This article discusses how NSW strata laws define and apply sustainability infrastructure, clarifying which common property changes qualify under the reduced voting rules. Question: What counts as “sustainability infrastructure” under recent NSW strata changes? Do measures like screen doors or clothes drying on balconies fall under sustainability infrastructure? Since the 1…

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NSW: Q&A Who pays when the owners corporation fixes a lot owner’s property by mistake?

Published November 11, 2025 By Matthew Lo This article discusses who is responsible for costs when an owners corporation fixes lot property by mistake and later seeks reimbursement from the lot owner. Question: Can the strata manager make me reimburse the owners corporation for repairs if they’ve now discovered that the work was my responsibility? In July 2024,…

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NSW: Q&A Can a strata scheme block an owner from building accessibility infrastructure?

Published September 26, 2025 By Matthew Lo  This article discusses strata rules about accessibility infrastructure in NSW. Question: Can an owner with mobility issues install a ramp and pathway to replace stairs at their unit entrance? Can the owners corporation refuse this request? I own a ground-floor unit at the front of a small suburban complex. Current access…

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NSW: Q&A Are screen doors sustainability infrastructure in NSW strata schemes?

Published September 2, 2025 By Matthew Lo This article discusses whether items, such as screen doors, could be considered sustainability infrastructure in NSW under the SSMA. Question: Does installing screen doors to improve airflow and reduce air conditioning use qualify as a sustainable practice under the SSMA? Under the recent changes to the Strata Schemes Management Act 2015 regarding sustainability,…

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Case Note. Doherty v The Owners – Strata Plan No. 36613 [2021] NSWCATAP 285

This case note has been taken from the recently published second-edition of a Guide to ACT Strata Law. A physical copy of the full text can be purchased here.   An old high rise apartment building had numerous balcony balustrades which were common property. The balustrades complied with the applicable ordinances at the time they were built. However, the…

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