Investment, fees & finance
Strata levies: What they are and how they work
26 Jun 26
We use browser cookies to help improve website performance, enhance your experience and understand how our website is used.
By-laws & regulations
A clear guide to strata by-laws, what they cover and how they help manage everyday shared property issues.
Strata by-laws are legally binding scheme rules that govern how owners, residents, tenants and visitors use lots, common property and shared spaces. They help manage everyday issues such as pets, parking, noise, renovations, smoking, short-term letting and the use of common areas.
This guide explains who by-laws apply to, where to find them, what they can usually regulate, how they can be reviewed or changed and what may happen if a by-law is breached.
Strata by-laws help create clearer expectations for shared living. In a strata scheme, people live close together and often share common property, parking areas, balconies, gardens, lifts, foyers and other shared facilities.
Clear by-laws give the community a practical framework for everyday issues and behaviour in common areas. They help reduce confusion, support fairer decision-making and give the owners corporation, strata committee or strata manager a registered set of rules to rely on when questions, complaints or recurring issues arise.
Good by-laws are not only about restrictions. They help make shared living more predictable, so residents understand what is allowed, what needs approval and how common issues should be handled.
Strata by-laws can apply to lot owners, tenants, occupiers, residents and visitors, depending on the scheme and the relevant state or territory rules.
In practice, this means anyone living in, owning, leasing or using the property should understand the rules before keeping pets, using shared facilities, changing the appearance of a lot, using visitor parking, making noise that affects neighbours, or carrying out works that may affect common property.
Owners should also understand that by-laws may apply to tenants or visitors using their lot. Tenants should check both their tenancy agreement and the scheme’s by-laws, because strata rules can affect day-to-day use of the property.
Pet by-laws often explain whether residents need to notify or seek approval before keeping an animal. The rules should be checked carefully, as some schemes can set reasonable conditions but may not be able to apply a blanket ban.
Parking by-laws set out how allocated spaces, visitor bays and common property areas may be used. They can also help manage issues such as unauthorised parking, misuse of shared areas or vehicles parked in the wrong place.
Noise by-laws help manage unreasonable disturbance between residents. They support clearer expectations around peaceful enjoyment, music, parties, machinery, hard flooring, shared walls and behaviour that affects neighbours.
Renovation-related by-laws affect what approvals are needed before an owner changes their lot, installs fixtures, alters flooring, modifies balconies, affects waterproofing or carries out works that may impact shared property.
If your committee needs support understanding, reviewing or applying by-laws, our team can help identify the right next step.
Understand how strata contributions work, what they usually cover and what owners should check on levy notices.
Learn how strata rules and terminology vary across Australian states and territories.
Understand the role of the committee, how decisions are made and how committees support shared property management.
For state-specific guidance around strata by-laws, body corporate by-laws, owners corporation rules and unit title rules, refer to the relevant authority in your state or territory:
The information on this page is general in nature and does not constitute legal, financial or professional advice. Requirements, processes and obligations can vary by state, territory and individual scheme. Before making decisions, we recommend seeking independent advice specific to your scheme, property and jurisdiction.
