NSW strata law is constantly changing. We break down what's new from NCAT, Fair Trading and the regulators — in plain English, with what it actually means for your townhouse or villa scheme.
What is this page?
A running summary of changes that affect townhouse and villa schemes in NSW. New articles are added every couple of months. If you'd like to be emailed when we publish, sign up below — no spam, just the changes that matter.
Fair Trading Updates
The reform programme in one place — what has commenced, and what's still coming.
Read article → Fair Trading · Strata Hub AnnualMost NSW strata schemes must lodge an annual return on Strata Hub — 2-lot schemes are exempt from 01-10-2026. Who's responsible, what's reported, and when.
Read article → Fair Trading 2025 reformsWhere your by-laws delegate minor renovation approvals to the committee, it must give written reasons for refusing. No response within 3 months means approval is deemed.
Read article → Fair Trading From 27 Oct 2025A standard form, a 28-day response rule, and no fees. The new way to deal with arrears, fairly.
Read article → Fair Trading 2025 reformsBy-laws can't block solar panels or EV chargers just to preserve appearance — unless the property is heritage-listed or in a heritage conservation area. AGMs must consider sustainability every year.
Read article → Fair Trading From 1 Apr 2026Every 10-year capital works fund plan prepared from 01-04-2026 must use the prescribed form — not just the first plan. What it means for your scheme.
Read article → Fair Trading From 3 Feb 2025Commissions, supplier connections, itemised insurance quotes. The 2025 transparency rules — and what to ask your manager.
Read article →NCAT & Court Decisions
Where the strata plan is silent, the lot ends at the upper surface of the floor — so the membrane under the original tiles is common property. The leading authority on what's inside your lot.
Read article → NSW Court of Appeal Decided 2020The NSW Court of Appeal held a by-law banning all animals invalid: a by-law that restricts owners must protect other occupants' use and enjoyment. Plus what's happened since.
Read article → NSW Court of Appeal Decided 2020The Court of Appeal confirmed NCAT can award damages under s106(5), with no dollar cap. A lost-rent award was upheld at first instance; the appeal court sent the matter back. Larger awards have been made since — up to $447,200 (Tezel [2022] NSWCATAP 149).
Read article →Regulation Changes
The Bill is before the Legislative Council and is not law as at 14-10-2026. If passed and proclaimed, 2-lot schemes become "small strata schemes", with most meeting requirements removed and decisions made by written resolution of both owners.
Read article → Bill 2025 · Pending Not yet lawBy-laws can't block a charger on appearance grounds alone (heritage excepted), and approval runs through the minor renovation or common property alteration rules. Proposed changes in Bill 2025 are not law as at 14-10-2026.
Read article →Building manager duties changed under the 2025 reforms (from 27-10-2025). Article to follow.
Read article →Add your email and we'll send a short summary every couple of months when new articles go up. No marketing — just the strata changes that matter to townhouse owners.
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Get in touchAlan Hunter · (02) 4971 0363 · alan@townhousestrata.com.au