Apartment blocks, townhouses and villas are often what is termed strata housing. Strata property is governed by state legislation and will usually have by-laws that apply to your property. If you live at the property, you must follow the by-laws and ensure your visitors also follow them.
Strata properties often have common use areas such as pools or lifts and exclusive use areas such as courtyards, parking bays and storage units. By-laws will often specify what you can do in these areas. They might also say whether or not you can have pets or keep a pet someone else complains about.
If your landlord has a no-pets clause in your lease, you cannot keep a pet unless it is a registered assistance animal. If someone complains about your animal, you can always contact a disability advocate.
If you live in a strata property, you can ask your owner, property manager or strata manager for a copy of the by-laws.
Alternatively, you can gain general information at the national Strata Community Association (SCA) website, see the LookUpStrata blog or access state chapters of the SCA.
SCA information exists for people in:
- Australia’s Capital Territory
- New South Wales
- Victoria
- Tasmania
- Queensland
- South Australia and the Northern Territory
- Western Australia
Information on stratas is also available from the:
- NSW Fair Trading strata schemes page in New South Wales
- Consumer Affairs Victoria’s Owners Corporations page
- Land Tasmania Strata Title Information and FAQs website
- Body Corporate and Community Management page of the Queensland Government
- Strata Titles page of the Government of South Australia
- Dealing with a Body Corporate page of the Northern Territory Government
- Landgate Making Strata Better website in Western Australia
Remember, if you are experiencing problems in your home, you can get help from a disability advocate or even file a complaint with police.
To speak to an advocate, email info@wayfinderhub.com.au or leave a voicemail at 1800 843 929. To speak with police, call the local number in your state or dial 000 in an emergency.