DIY By-Laws, North Sydney (2026)

07/04/2026

Renovating in a strata scheme?

If your planned works affects common property, you will need approval from the owners corporation — but not all renovations are equal.

Under the Strata Schemes Management Act 2015, works fall into three broad categories:

• Cosmetic Works - No approval required.
• Minor Renovations - Require ordinary resolution at a general meeting or strata committee approval (if delegated).
• Major Works - Require a special resolution and a renovation by-law.

You may also need development consent, a complying development certificate or other approvals. Click the link below to take our Council Approval Quiz to find out if your works require council approval.

https://www.bannermans.com.au/approval-quiz/

To learn more about what approvals you need to renovate your unit, check out our article below:

https://diybylaws.com.au/renovation-approval-by-laws-faq-what-approvals-do-i-need-to-renovate/

13/03/2026

Did you know that a by‑law isn’t enforceable just because it was approved at a general meeting?

A lot of renovation by‑laws pass the vote, but some never make it through the final and most important step - registration and consolidation. Unless the by‑law is lodged with NSW Land Registry Services and added to the scheme’s consolidated by‑laws, it has no legal effect, meaning the by-law is not legally enforceable.

Read the full article below to understand why registration matters and how to make sure your by‑law is properly finalised.

https://diybylaws.com.au/by-law-approved-now-what/

Need help with a strata renovation?

Bannermans Lawyers can provide legal advice on your renovation plans. If you have any enquiries, contact us at [email protected] or call 02 9929 0226 for assistance.

08/02/2026

Confused about who’s responsible for repairs in your strata scheme?

In a recent NCAT decision, a by law registered by the owners corporation was declared invalid because it was not passed in the form approved at the AGM — and because shifting maintenance obligations requires a separate special resolution under section 106(3). The Tribunal made it clear: even a small drafting or procedural error can render a by law unenforceable.

Click below to find out more:

https://diybylaws.com.au/poorly-drafted-and-prepared-by-laws-creating-disputes-about-repairs-in-strata-scheme/

Need help with a strata renovation?

Bannermans Lawyers can provide legal advice on your renovation plans. If you have any enquiries, contact us at [email protected] or call 02 9929 0226 for assistance.

12/01/2026

The DIY By-Laws team is back for 2026 and excited to build on the success from 2025! Last year we helped hundreds of owners create their own renovation by-laws through our affordable and easy to use DIY By-Laws platform.

We’re excited to continue that growth in 2026 to support even more schemes as they plan and approve renovation works throughout the year.

Wishing all our clients and industry colleagues a successful year ahead!

02/12/2025

NCAT clarifies strata repair obligations!

A recent NCAT decision has reinforced the distinction between common property and lot property under the Strata Schemes Management Act 2015 (NSW).

In this case, timber decks on apartment balconies were found to be common property, meaning the owners corporation has strict repair and maintenance obligations under section 106. The Tribunal also declared a poorly drafted by law invalid, confirming that such by laws cannot override statutory duties without a proper special resolution.

Key takeaway: Owners corporations must ensure common property is properly maintained or risk liability for loss suffered by lot owners. To learn more, click below:

https://diybylaws.com.au/poorly-drafted-and-prepared-by-laws-creating-disputes-about-repairs-in-strata-scheme/

Bannermans Find Out Quizzes!

Planning works to your strata property? You may need council approval or need to comply with the Design & Building Practitioners Act 2020. Take our Council Approval Quiz and D&BPA Quiz below to find out now!

https://www.bannermans.com.au/resources/find-out-quizzes/

If you have any enquiries, contact us at [email protected] or call 02 9929 0226.

26/09/2025

Banning changing wet area locations?

If you're planning to add a bathroom in your strata unit, be aware that an owners corporation cannot impose a by-law with a blanket prohibition on these works.

A recent NSW Appeal Panel decision invalidated a by-law that banned installing wet areas above any bedroom or living room of a lot below. The Tribunal found this absolute ban was harsh, unconscionable or oppressive because it failed to consider individual circumstances where a renovation might not adversely affect others.

To learn more about this key decision, click the link below:

https://diybylaws.com.au/beware-of-by-laws-that-seek-to-prohibit-changing-wet-areas/

Dreaming of a renovation? Our new Renovation Approval & By-Laws eBook is your step-by-step guide to making it happen—covering everything from approvals to common by-law questions. Click below to download your copy:

https://www.bannermans.com.au/resources/

Need help with a strata renovation or challenging a by-law?

Bannermans Lawyers can provide legal advice on your renovation plans and by-law disputes. If you have any enquiries, contact us at [email protected] or call 02 9929 0226 for assistance.

01/08/2025

Planning a Strata Renovation?

If you’re planning renovations to your strata unit, you may need to complete a development application (‘DA’) to obtain local council approval.

Do the owners corporation have to consent to my DA?

This will depend on a number of factors, including any concerns your owners corporation may have with your proposed renovations.

The owners corporation must consider your request for its consent to your DA. Considering such requests is one of the functions of an owners corporation.

For more information, click the below link to learn more.

https://diybylaws.com.au/does-an-owners-corporation-need-to-consent-to-a-da-2/

Need help navigating the strata renovation process?

Bannermans Lawyers can assist with your strata renovation and provide legal advice tailored to your specific situation. If you're unsure about the development application requirements or need assistance with your renovation, please contact us at [email protected] or call 02 9929 0226 for expert guidance.

02/07/2025

Did you know that strata renovations are classified into cosmetic, minor and major works under the Strata Schemes Management Act 2015? Understanding the different types of renovations can save you time, money and hassle!

Cosmetic works require no approval. Some examples include painting walls, installing handrails and filling minor cracks in internal walls.

Minor renovations require approval through an ordinary resolution unless the owners corporation has made a by-law which delegates the function to the strata committee to exercise. This includes kitchen renovations, installing hard floors and replacing wiring or cabling.

Click the link below to learn more about the difference between cosmetic and minor renovations:

https://diybylaws.com.au/cosmetic-vs-minor-renovations-in-strata/

Managing strata renovations can be complex, but we can help you every step of the way. Our DIY By-laws service takes the stress out of the process by helping you draft your by-law with confidence. From tailored by-laws to practical solutions, we’re here to make your renovation journey stress-free.

If you are in doubt as to what approvals are required for your renovations, please visit our website DIY By-Laws or contact us at [email protected] | 02 9929 0226.

25/03/2025

Are you renovating in strata and unsure whether the kind of renovations you are planning are considered “exempt” or "complying” development in your local council’s Local Environment Plan?

Click the link below to check out our new article ‘Do you need council approval for your renovations – Part 2’ re-launched today! This article unpacks Environment Plans and breaks down how they affect your local council's development approval process.

https://diybylaws.com.au/do-you-need-council-approval-for-your-renovations-part-2/

24/02/2025

Renovating in strata? Do I need council approval? Click the link below to check out our new article ‘Do you need council approval for your renovations – Part 1’ re-launched today! This article breaks down the requirements around council approval and what will happen if you do not get council approval.

Stay tuned for part 2 of our article, where we unpack Local Environment Plans and break down how they affect your local council's development approval process.

https://diybylaws.com.au/do-you-need-council-approval-for-your-renovations-part-1/

08/11/2024

Do you know your rights when it comes to renovating your strata property?

In a recent case, the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal dismissed an appeal of a previous Tribunal decision made by two lot owners who wanted to install reverse cycle air-conditioning units installed in each of their respective lots. Click the link below to read more.

https://diybylaws.com.au/tribunal-refuses-appeal-to-install-air-conditioning-units-on-balcony-upheld-on-appeal/

If you're planning renovations and need a customised by-law, visit https://diybylaws.com.au to create your own motions and by-laws instantly online.

For additional advice on your renovation application, feel free to contact Bannermans Lawyers, at [email protected]

20/02/2023

DID YOU KNOW that Bannermans Lawyers is on instagram?

For the latest strata updates, weekly did you know's, hot topics and surprisingly non boring lawyer content follow us today!

https://www.instagram.com/bannermanslawyers/

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