By-laws

A scheme’s by-laws:

•  are a set of rules that all people living in the strata scheme must follow
•  apply equally to tenants and owners
•  can be made or changed to meet the needs of all owners and to assist with running the scheme
• are designed for the control, management, administration, use and enjoyment of the lots and common property

By-laws can vary significantly from scheme to scheme and it's important to understand which by-laws apply to your scheme. Owners can obtain a copy from either the secretary of the owners corporation or the managing agent. Property managers are required to give all tenants a copy of the scheme's by-laws.

Exclusive use by-laws and special privilege by-laws give the owner(s) of the lot(s) specified in the by-law:

• special privileges to undertake an activity or make an installation in a specific area of common property; or
• a right to exclusively use a specific part of the common property; or
• both of the above

Exclusive use and special privilege by-laws

• can only be made with the written consent of the owner(s) of the lot (s) concerned
• must specify who is responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of the relevant part of common property
• can specify whether any payments are to be made for the maintenance and upkeep of the relevant part of common property