NSW Parliament has approved long awaited reforms to the state’s strata laws which recognise the modern and future needs of those living in apartments.

The Strata Scheme Management Bill and Strata Scheme Development Bill contain around 90 changes to the existing laws. They come into effect in July 2016.

REINSW President Malcolm Gunning said the laws are a step forward for those who live in apartments. "Strata laws were in dire need of reform and we congratulate Minister for Innovation and Better Regulation Victor Dominello on getting these reforms across the line," said Gunning. 

"On 1 July 1961 the world’s first strata scheme was registered in New South Wales and today the amendments to existing laws reflect modern apartment living. However, there are aspects of the legislation which are unworkable and unnecessary including the increase in bureaucracy and red tape that can be eliminated for the benefit for everyone. We look forward to working with government early next year during the consultation phase on draft regulations which will accompany the new Acts, including model by-laws, as the final stage in the reform process," said Gunning. 

Today, more than two million people live and work in strata, said Dominello. "The new laws will cater for the needs of 21st century strata living… [and] modernise collective decision making processes, increase protections against unresolved building defects and improve outdated regulation impacting on renovations," he said.

Key among the reforms is a change to the required amount of approval needed before a strata renewal or redevelopment plan can be implemented. Instead of needing 100 per cent approval from lot holders in a strata scheme, the new law requires 75 per cent of lot holders to agree.

See also:

Learn about NSW's new strata laws