Upcoming Changes to NSW Strata Maintenance Requirements: What You Need to Know

Significant changes to strata maintenance and governance requirements are on the horizon in New South Wales, with reforms aimed at improving transparency, accountability, and long-term planning across strata schemes. These updates will affect developers, owners corporations, and strata committees alike, making it essential to understand what’s changing and how to prepare.

Here’s a breakdown of the key reforms and what they mean for strata living in NSW.

1. Standardised maintenance schedules from April 2026

From 1 April 2026, developers of new strata schemes will be required to prepare the initial maintenance schedule using a standardised form.

This change is designed to create greater consistency and clarity across strata schemes, ensuring maintenance schedules are comprehensive, easier to understand, and more reliable for owners corporations planning long-term capital works.

What this means:

• New strata schemes will start with clearer, more uniform maintenance documentation

• Owners corporations can rely on better baseline information from day one

• Long-term maintenance planning and budgeting should improve across the board

2. Independent review for new multi-storey developments

For new multi-storey strata schemes, both the initial maintenance schedule and the initial levy estimates must now be independently reviewed and certified by a qualified surveyor.

This added layer of oversight is intended to prevent under-estimating future costs and to ensure levy contributions are realistic and sufficient.

Why this matters:

• Reduces the risk of unexpectedly high levies shortly after scheme commencement

• Improves confidence for buyers and owners in new developments

• Promotes more sustainable financial planning from the outset

3. Expanded record-keeping obligations

Owners corporations will now be required to keep records of all minor renovations for a minimum of 10 years.

This reform supports better transparency and provides a clearer historical record of changes made within a scheme.

Benefits include:

• Easier tracking of alterations affecting lots and common property

• Reduced disputes when issues arise years later

• Stronger compliance and governance practices

4. Improved accessibility without special resolutions

In a positive move for inclusivity, changes to common property that enable access for persons with disabilities will no longer require a special resolution. Instead, these changes can be approved by a simple majority vote.

This removes unnecessary barriers and delays for accessibility improvements.

Key takeaway:

• Faster, more practical decision-making

• Greater support for residents with accessibility needs

• A more inclusive approach to strata living

  
  

5. Increased penalties for developer non-compliance

Developers who fail to meet their obligations at the first Annual General Meeting (AGM) now face significantly increased penalties, including:

• Fines of up to $11,000, plus

• $220 per day for ongoing non-compliance

These penalties reinforce the importance of meeting governance and disclosure obligations at the earliest stage of a strata scheme’s lifecycle.

Preparing for the Changes

Now is the time for owners, strata committees, and developers to start preparing. Understanding your obligations, maintaining thorough records, and seeking professional advice where needed will be key to staying compliant.

At Centric Strata, we’re committed to keeping our clients informed and supported through regulatory changes. If you have questions about how these updates may affect your scheme—or would like guidance on maintenance planning, record-keeping, or compliance—our team is here to help.