What are by-laws?

An essential and unique part of living within a strata scheme is the necessity to follow set rules to ensure all residents can enjoy their home and live safely and harmoniously together.

By-laws are the rules and regulations adopted by the Body Corporate that all owners and occupiers living within a strata scheme legally must follow.

Some by-laws are set out in legislation and these can be found in the Body Corporate and Community Management Act 1997 (the BCCM Act). Other by-laws are adopted by the Body Corporate.

Each strata scheme can decide and enforce its own by-laws to suit the way its owners want to live. It’s important to understand your responsibilities and obligations.

Challenge can advise your Body Corporate how by-laws can be changed, or new ones created, to meet the needs of all owners.

Common by-laws

Pets, parking, noise, renovations, behaviour of residents, use of common property, and smoking are all common by-laws found in strata schemes.

By-laws can vary significantly from scheme to scheme. It’s important you know and understand which by-laws apply to your scheme and you must abide by these by-laws.

Some by-laws, such as pets and renovations, may require permission from the Body Corporate Committee.

BEFORE you do anything, check the by-laws, follow procedure and seek permissions.

These rules are in place to protect all residents and to promote a harmonious environment and community.