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NSW: Q&A Requirements for installing CCTV cameras on common property in NSW strata schemes

Published October 14, 2025 By Matthew Lo Question: Can the committee install a CCTV camera on the manager’s balcony to monitor vehicle speed and improve security? I am considering proposing the installation of a CCTV camera on the balcony of our manager’s residence. The camera would cover the front vehicle access gate and pedestrian entrance to monitor the…

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NSW: How can an owners corporation reclaim money paid to an owner in error?

Published March 11, 2026 By Matthew Lo  Question: Can an owners corporation reverse a past committee decision and recover an incorrect reimbursement paid to an owner three years ago? A lot owner was reimbursed $1,150 in April 2022 for water tank maintenance, specifically replacement of a pump. I believe this cost should have been the lot owner’s responsibility,…

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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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Case Note: Craven & Gilks v The Owners – Units Plan No 2839 (Appeal) [2023] ACAT 4

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.   In this case the owners corporation’s rules required any unit owner who wished to replace carpet in their unit to ensure the replacement material met an acceptable level of…

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Case Note. Leonard & Anor v Michie & Ors (Unit Titles) [2019] ACAT 14

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. The applicants applied for orders that ACAT remove and ban the existing executive committee members from holding the position of executive committee member for breach of the executive committee…

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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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