New owner welcome pack
A plain-English introduction to your scheme: who does what, how levies work, how to raise a maintenance request and where to find your records.
Reference library
Useful documents for NSW strata schemes
The legislation and government resources committees and owners refer to most often, all in one place. Links open the official NSW sources so you're always reading the current version.
Legislation & regulations
Strata Schemes Management Act 2015 (NSW)
The principal Act governing how owners corporations operate — meetings, levies, by-laws, records, repairs and dispute resolution.
Open on legislation.nsw.gov.auStrata Schemes Management Regulation 2016 (NSW)
Prescribed forms, model by-laws, notice requirements and the detail that sits underneath the Act.
Open on legislation.nsw.gov.auStrata Schemes Development Act 2015 (NSW)
Registration of schemes, lot and common property boundaries, subdivision, staged development and collective sale.
Open on legislation.nsw.gov.auCommunity Land Management Act 2021 (NSW)
Applies to community, precinct and neighbourhood schemes — relevant to many Northern Rivers developments.
Open on legislation.nsw.gov.auGovernment resources
NSW Strata Hub
The annual reporting portal for strata schemes, including scheme contact and building details.
VisitModel by-laws
The model by-laws in the Regulation, often the starting point when a scheme reviews its own by-laws.
VisitDesign and Building Practitioners Act 2020 (NSW)
Relevant to newer buildings, defect rectification and developer accountability.
VisitSolrise documents
Our own guides, forms and checklists
Written in plain English for owners and committees, and tailored to your scheme when we take over the records. Ask and we'll send any of these through.
Committee starter guide
What the strata committee can and can't decide, office-bearer roles, quorum and voting basics, and how motions reach a general meeting.
Maintenance request form
A single form that captures the location, the issue, access details and photos, so work orders go out without a chain of follow-up emails.
Levy & arrears explainer
How administrative and capital works fund levies are set, what your notice shows, payment options and what happens if a levy falls behind.
By-law change checklist
The steps to draft, circulate and pass a by-law by special resolution, plus registration with NSW Land Registry Services afterwards.
Renovation & works request
Cosmetic, minor and major renovation categories under the Act, what each needs approval-wise, and the information to include with a request.
AGM preparation checklist
Timelines for notices, motions, nominations, insurance valuations and financials, so the annual meeting runs to time.
Capital works planning summary
How a 10-year capital works fund plan is built, reviewed and used to smooth levies instead of relying on special levies.
Quick answers
Commonly asked, under the Act
Who is responsible for repairs?
The owners corporation must maintain and repair common property under s106 of the Act. Repairs inside a lot are generally the owner's responsibility, unless the cause originates in common property.
How much notice is required for an AGM?
At least 14 days' notice of a general meeting must be given to each owner, together with the agenda and financial statements.
Can levies be recovered if unpaid?
Yes. Unpaid contributions accrue simple interest at 10% per annum and can be recovered as a debt, including reasonable recovery costs.
What records must be kept?
The strata roll, minutes, financial records, notices, correspondence and contracts must be kept — most for at least seven years.
How do I change a by-law?
A new or amended by-law needs a special resolution at a general meeting, then registration within six months so it becomes enforceable.
Do I need approval to renovate?
Cosmetic work generally doesn't, minor renovations need an ordinary resolution (or a by-law delegating that to the committee), and major work affecting structure or waterproofing needs a special resolution.
What is the capital works fund for?
Planned major expenditure — painting, roofing, lifts, waterproofing — set out in a 10-year plan the owners corporation must review at least every five years.
Who can attend a committee meeting?
Any owner may attend and observe, and notice of committee meetings must be given to all owners at least 72 hours beforehand.
General information only, current at the time of writing. It isn't legal advice — please contact us or seek advice about your specific scheme.