The New South Wales government has delivered its fourth tranche of nation-leading reforms that will grant better protections to the more than 1.2 million apartment and duplex residents across New South Wales.
Passed by state parliament, the Strata Schemes Legislation Amendment (Miscellaneous Bill) 2025 is designed to slash red tape, modernise industry standards, and deliver fairer outcomes for lot owners.
A key element of the legislation lifts administrative burdens on two-lot schemes, such as duplexes, which account for over 30 per cent of all strata developments in NSW. These small schemes will no longer be required to form formal committees, hold regular meetings, or lodge annual reports with NSW Fair Trading.
The new laws also target excessive fees by establishing fair limits on security bonds and key card replacement charges levied by owners corporations.
In addition, apartment owners have secured the right to install electric vehicle charging infrastructure within their designated lots without facing unreasonable objections from strata committees.
Under the updated framework, NSW Fair Trading gains expanded powers to publicly report compliance actions taken against owners corporations, helping prospective buyers identify potential maintenance or repair issues before purchasing.
Furthermore, the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT) can now terminate building management contracts if managers breach their duties, including failing to disclose financial commissions.
The legislation builds on three earlier reform packages that introduced financial hardship payment plans, independent certification of developer levy estimates, strict restrictions on undisclosed broker commissions, and broader enforcement powers for NSW Fair Trading to address building defects.
Minister for Better Regulation and Fair Trading Anoulack Chanthivong said the reforms would build long-term confidence in high-density living as the state expands its housing supply.
“Owners and residents want clearer rules, greater transparency and stronger protections, and this legislation delivers through stronger oversight, better consumer protections and greater support for those experiencing financial hardship,” Chanthivong said.
