Do I need approval to install floating floorboards in Strata

Thinking of upgrading your unit with sleek new floating floorboards? They’re stylish, easy to maintain, and can instantly modernise your home. But if you live in a strata property in NSW, you might be wondering — do you actually need approval before you start ripping up the carpet?

The short answer: yes, you almost certainly do. And here’s why.

Why strata approval matters

When you live in a strata scheme, your home isn’t just your home — it’s part of a shared building. That means there are rules in place (called by-laws) to make sure any renovations you do don’t negatively impact your neighbours or the common property.

Flooring is a big deal in strata because hard surfaces like timber, laminate, or vinyl can cause noise to travel between units. What sounds like a casual walk to you might sound like a tap-dancing competition downstairs.

What the NSW Strata laws say

In NSW, replacing soft floor coverings (like carpet) with hard flooring usually falls under the category of a “minor renovation” under the Strata Schemes Management Act 2015. This means:

• You’ll generally need approval from your Owners Corporation before you start.

• Approval is usually given via a simple resolution at a general meeting.

• You’ll need to follow any by-laws about flooring, which may require things like acoustic underlay to limit noise.

The approval process (It’s easier than you think)

At Centric Strata, we’ve helped hundreds of owners get flooring upgrades approved. Here’s how it usually works:

1. Check your by-laws – These will outline the specific rules for flooring in your building.

2. Get a quote and product details – Include info on the type of flooring and acoustic underlay you’ll use.

3. Submit your request in writing – We can guide you on exactly what to include so it ticks all the boxes.

4. Wait for approval – In most cases, it’s a straightforward process if your proposal meets the building’s acoustic and installation standards.

What happens if you skip approval?

You could be required to remove the flooring at your own expense if it doesn’t comply with the by-laws or is installed without permission. Not exactly the kind of renovation surprise anyone wants.

Our expert tip

Always work with installers who understand strata requirements. They’ll be able to provide the technical details (like acoustic ratings) that the Owners Corporation will want to see.

Bottom line

Yes — you’ll almost always need strata approval before installing floating floorboards. It’s not about making life hard; it’s about keeping the peace (and quiet) in a shared living environment.

If you’re ready to give your place a fresh new look, Centric Strata can guide you through the process from start to finish. With our expert advice, you can get the look you want while staying 100% compliant with strata laws.