The Strata Schemes Management Act 2015 No 50 outlines the process an owner must follow to undertake minor renovations in a strata scheme. Here’s the step-by-step process: Step 1. Determine if the Work qualifies as a Minor Renovation Minor renovations include:

1. (a) Kitchen renovations
2. (b) Changes to internal walls (non-structural)
3. (c) Installation of air conditioning, hard flooring, or double-glazed windows
4. (d) Bathroom renovations (if they don’t impact waterproofing)
5. (e) removing carpet or other soft floor coverings to expose underlying wooden or other hard floors,
6. (f) installing a rainwater tank,
7. (g) installing a clothesline,
8. (h) installing a reverse cycle split system air conditioner,
9. (i) installing double or triple glazed windows,
10. (j) installing a heat pump,
11. (k) installing ceiling insulation.

^{The work prescribed by this clause is subject to the requirements set out in section 110(7) of the Act, including requirements that it does not involve structural changes, changes to the external appearance of a lot or waterproofing.}

Step 2. Obtain Approval from the Owners Corporation Check your strata by-laws: The specific rules governing minor renovations vary between strata schemes, so always refer to your scheme’s by-laws first. Approval process: Minor renovations generally require approval by an ordinary resolution (simple majority vote) at a general meeting or by the strata committee, but only if the function of considering minor renovations has been delegated to the strata committee by way of a by-law. Not all works qualify as minor renovations: Even if a renovation seems small, it will never be classified as a minor renovation or cosmetic work if it involves:

1. • Structural changes (e.g., removing or altering load-bearing walls).
2. • Waterproofing (e.g., bathroom renovations affecting membranes).
3. • Changes to the external appearance of the lot (e.g., altering windows, balcony enclosures, external paintwork, installations that may change the external appearance of the building).
4. • Works that require a Development Application (DA) under council regulations.

If your work falls into any of the above categories, you will need a special resolution at a general meeting or, in some cases, a by-law registered before proceeding.

1. • No by-law is required for ‘minor’ works, unlike ‘major’ renovations.

Step 3. Wait for Approval Before Starting Work

• • The approval process depends on when the next general meeting is held.
• • If the strata committee has delegated authority, the process may be faster.

^{Disclaimer: The above is not legal advice. You are encouraged to obtain your own independent legal advice about the approvals that are required for your proposed renovation.}

Proceed filling out the application

Under Section 108 of the Strata Schemes Management Act 2015, if an owner wants to carry out work that are major renovations, they must follow these steps: Step 1. Determine major renovations Work that are major works includes:

• • Structural changes (e.g., removing or altering load-bearing walls)
• • Waterproofing (e.g., bathroom renovations)
• • Changing external appearances (e.g., new windows, installations that change the external appearance of the building)
• • Installing major fixtures (e.g., solar panels, skylights)
• • Work that requires Development Application (DA).

  Step 2. Propose a By-Law (if required)

• • If the work grants exclusive use or alters common property significantly, a by-law may be needed.
• • The owner may need to arrange for a solicitor to draft a by-law and have it registered with NSW Land Registry Services.

  Step 3. Obtain a Special Resolution at a General Meeting

• • The owner must submit a motion and the special by-law to be voted on at a general meeting.
• • Approval requires a special resolution (no more than 25% against the motion).
• • Once approved, your solicitor will register the special by-law which should be provided to your strata manager.

  Step 4. Wait for the special by-law to be registered before starting your renovations

• • If your renovation requires a special by-law, it must be registered with NSW Land Registry Services before work can begin.
• • Registration is a separate legal step and is the lot owner’s responsibility.

  Do not start your renovation until you receive confirmation that the by-law has been officially registered. ^{Disclaimer: The above is not legal advice. You are encouraged to obtain your own independent legal advice about the approvals that are required for your proposed renovation.}

Proceed filling out the application