What is the Strata Schemes Management Act 2015?

The Strata Schemes Management Act 2015 (NSW) is the key legislation governing how strata schemes operate in New South Wales. It sets out the rights, responsibilities, and processes for owners, tenants, strata committees, and managing agents in shared properties like apartment blocks or townhouses. The Act covers everything from meeting procedures, by-laws, and finances to maintenance obligations and dispute resolution.

Designed to modernise and simplify strata governance, the Act ensures transparency and fairness in decision-making within strata communities. It outlines how levies are raised, how repairs and upgrades must be managed, and how records should be kept. Importantly, it also provides mechanisms for resolving disagreements—through internal resolution, NSW Fair Trading, or the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT). Whether you're a lot owner or part of a strata committee, understanding this Act is essential for managing shared living successfully and legally.

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