Moving in or out of a strata building? What every resident needs to know

Quick checks before moving day

Before booking movers, confirm:

• whether moving hours, by-laws or noise rules apply
• whether you need to book the lift, loading zone or building access
• whether a moving bond, lift protection or common property protection is required

Why moving in a strata building needs planning

Moving house is already a big task. In a strata or body corporate building, there are extra steps because the move often involves building rules, access arrangements and common property.

Residents may need to use shared lifts, loading zones, corridors, lobbies, car parks or other common areas during the move. These spaces need to stay safe, accessible and protected for neighbours, visitors and the building team.

Planning ahead helps reduce access issues, delays, accidental damage, extra costs and last-minute confusion on the day.

Strata by-laws, moving hours and building rules

Most strata and body corporate buildings have by-laws or building rules that explain how residents should move in or out.

These rules may cover:

• permitted moving hours
• noise restrictions
• lift use and loading dock access
• visitor parking or mover parking
• moving bonds or deposits
• pets and approval requirements
• protection for lifts, floors and walls
• bulky waste and cardboard disposal

Checking the by-laws early makes it easier to plan the move properly and tell your movers what is allowed before they arrive.

If you are moving in with a pet, check whether approval or notification is required before arrival. Pet requirements can vary depending on the scheme, by-laws and state or territory.

For more information about building rules, read our Strata By-laws guide.

Book your lift, loading zone and building access

In many strata and body corporate buildings, residents need to book a move-in or move-out time before using lifts, loading bays or shared access points.

This is common in apartment buildings, high-rise properties and communities with limited parking, one main lift or a managed loading dock.

Where possible, aim to confirm your booking at least two weeks in advance. Some buildings may need time to arrange lift protection, pre-move inspections, loading zone access or building manager attendance.

Before confirming your renovalists, check:

• whether a lift booking is required
• where the moving truck can park
• whether height restrictions apply
• which entry point should be used
• whether lift protection or a pre-move inspection is needed
• who provides access to lifts, loading areas or security doors

Once your booking is confirmed, send the building instructions to your moving team. This gives them time to plan truck size, arrival time, equipment and access before they arrive.

Moving bonds, damage and common property protection

Some buildings may require a moving bond or deposit before a resident moves in or out. This is often used to cover potential damage to lifts, walls, floors, doors, lobbies or other common property during the move.

The amount, payment process and refund conditions can vary by building. Residents should check the requirements before booking movers, especially if lift protection or a loading zone booking is also needed.

Common property can be damaged quickly when furniture, appliances or boxes are carried through the building. Movers may need to use lift curtains, temporary floor coverings, wall protection or approved access points.

Residents should also keep exits, fire doors, driveways and corridors unobstructed throughout the move.

If damage occurs, the owner or resident may be asked to cover repair costs depending on the building rules, by-laws and circumstances.

For broader information on common property responsibilities and repair processes, read our Strata Repairs and Maintenance guide.

Who to contact: a guide for tenants and owners

The right contact depends on your role and the type of question.

• Tenants should usually contact their property manager first. This is the best starting point for lease-related matters, keys, fobs, access devices and move-in details provided by the owner or managing agent.
  If the move involves lift bookings, building access, common property or by-laws, the property manager may need to liaise with the strata manager or building manager.
  Tenants should also check whether the building has embedded electricity, gas, hot water, internet or other building-specific utility arrangements. Some services may need to be set up through a specific provider before moving in.
• Owners may need to contact the strata manager, building manager or managing agent where the move involves common property, building access, by-laws, lift bookings, scheme records, levy notices or handover information for the next resident.
  Owners moving out should also confirm whether their correspondence address needs to be updated, where future levy notices should be sent and whether keys, fobs or access devices need to be returned or transferred.
• Building managers or concierges, where appointed, may handle on-site details such as lift bookings, loading dock access, move-in instructions or security access on the day.
  Clear handover information can reduce follow-up questions after settlement, lease commencement or move-in day.

Dispose of boxes and bulky items correctly

Moving often creates more waste than expected. Boxes, packaging, furniture, mattresses and appliances should not be left beside bins, in corridors, car parks, storage areas or other shared spaces unless the building has approved arrangements.

Large items can block access, create safety risks and increase cleaning or removal costs for the building.

Before moving day, check whether the property has a bulky waste area, council collection process, cardboard disposal rules or limits on what can be placed in bin rooms.

If you are unsure, ask the strata manager, building manager or committee before leaving items in common areas.

How a strata manager can assist

A strata manager does not organise the resident’s movers or manage the move itself. Their role is to assist with the building process where it relates to the scheme.

Depending on the property, this may include sharing by-laws, confirming move-in procedures, coordinating with a building manager, keeping committee records, directing residents to the right contact point or explaining how common property rules apply.

At Bright & Duggan, strata managers work with owners, committees, residents and building teams to keep building processes well organised.

See how our strata management team works with communities.

Frequently asked questions