The Legal Light Justin Stack New strata laws now in force and more coming The 2021 census found 16 per cent of Australians live in apartments. By the next census in 2026, that figure could pass 20 per cent as governments boost the building of high-rise apartment blocks to meet the demand for more homes. A 2021 review of strata laws found there were many problems with the way strata or community land managers and their agents operated. As a result, the NSW government has passed the Strata Schemes Legislation Amendment Act 2025, with reforms to governance, transparency and sustainability in strata schemes." Many young people find the first home they can afford to buy is an apartment, and many older homeowners downsize to a flat, so it is important to know the new strata laws. Starting on 1 July 2025, strata laws have changed to make it easier to install accessibility infrastructure, provide evidence that an animal is an assistance animal and obtain approval for minor renovations. Sustainability improvements such as electric vehicle charging or double-glazed windows now need only a majority vote, instead of the former 75 per cent. Sue Steel at Stacks Law Firm says other changes involve the way strata committee members function. "Strata committee members are now legally required to carry out their role with 'honesty, fairness, due care and diligence', always act for the benefit of the owners' corporation, handle confidential information responsibly and avoid 'unreasonably interfering' with the use of common property. "The review found many strata schemes failed to maintain and repair common property properly, which led to special levies being imposed and higher insurance costs. Under the changes, committees are legally bound to carry out maintenance properly and repair damage, or Fair Trading can take action to remedy a breach of duty by the owners corporation. "Changes coming later in 2025 will increase the Department of Fair Trading's powers to respond if owners have not met their legal duty to maintain their building, including issuing compliance notices." Strata managers will have to reveal connections with suppliers and commissions. Failure to do so could lead to a fine up to $110,000. Developers and original owners of a multi- storey strata scheme must now provide independently certified levy estimates and maintenance schedules. Failure to do so can result in a court-imposed penalty of $55,000. Ms Steel said understanding the new legal requirements under the Act is essential for those involved in strata schemes. "Owning a property is the biggest investment most of us make and it is important to know what your responsibilities and rights are living in a high-rise apartment block. If you have concerns, it would be wise to get legal advice." STACKS LAW FIRM Grant Avery Compensation Specialist No Win, No Fee Conditions apply 02 6592 6592 taree.stacklaw.com.au Partners in life The Legal Light Justin Stack New strata laws now in force and more coming The 2021 census found 16 per cent of Australians live in apartments . By the next census in 2026 , that figure could pass 20 per cent as governments boost the building of high - rise apartment blocks to meet the demand for more homes . A 2021 review of strata laws found there were many problems with the way strata or community land managers and their agents operated . As a result , the NSW government has passed the Strata Schemes Legislation Amendment Act 2025 , with reforms to governance , transparency and sustainability in strata schemes . " Many young people find the first home they can afford to buy is an apartment , and many older homeowners downsize to a flat , so it is important to know the new strata laws . Starting on 1 July 2025 , strata laws have changed to make it easier to install accessibility infrastructure , provide evidence that an animal is an assistance animal and obtain approval for minor renovations . Sustainability improvements such as electric vehicle charging or double - glazed windows now need only a majority vote , instead of the former 75 per cent . Sue Steel at Stacks Law Firm says other changes involve the way strata committee members function . " Strata committee members are now legally required to carry out their role with ' honesty , fairness , due care and diligence ' , always act for the benefit of the owners ' corporation , handle confidential information responsibly and avoid ' unreasonably interfering ' with the use of common property . " The review found many strata schemes failed to maintain and repair common property properly , which led to special levies being imposed and higher insurance costs . Under the changes , committees are legally bound to carry out maintenance properly and repair damage , or Fair Trading can take action to remedy a breach of duty by the owners corporation . " Changes coming later in 2025 will increase the Department of Fair Trading's powers to respond if owners have not met their legal duty to maintain their building , including issuing compliance notices . " Strata managers will have to reveal connections with suppliers and commissions . Failure to do so could lead to a fine up to $ 110,000 . Developers and original owners of a multi- storey strata scheme must now provide independently certified levy estimates and maintenance schedules . Failure to do so can result in a court - imposed penalty of $ 55,000 . Ms Steel said understanding the new legal requirements under the Act is essential for those involved in strata schemes . " Owning a property is the biggest investment most of us make and it is important to know what your responsibilities and rights are living in a high - rise apartment block . If you have concerns , it would be wise to get legal advice . " STACKS LAW FIRM Grant Avery Compensation Specialist No Win , No Fee Conditions apply 02 6592 6592 taree.stacklaw.com.au Partners in life