FAQ · Self-managed strata guides
Self-managed strata in New South Wales
Last reviewed: 25 Oct 2026
New South Wales strata schemes are primarily governed by the Strata Schemes Management Act 2015 and the Strata Schemes Management Regulation 2016. Terminology uses “owners corporation” and “strata committee”.
General information only — not legal advice. Rules vary by scheme size, module, and by-laws. Check the current legislation and seek professional advice for your situation.
Governing law
The Strata Schemes Management Act 2015 (NSW) covers meetings, finances, insurance, by-laws, records, and dispute resolution for strata schemes.
The Strata Schemes Management Regulation 2016 supplements the Act (for example first AGM documents and tenant representative processes).
Annual general meetings
An owners corporation must hold an AGM once in each financial year (s.18).
The first AGM must be held within two months after the end of the initial period, with at least 14 days notice (s.14).
For general meetings other than the first AGM, written notice must be given at least 14 days before an AGM and at least 7 days before any other general meeting (Schedule 1, clause 7(3)).
Quorum and strata committee
A quorum is present if at least one-quarter of the people entitled to vote, or owners of at least one-quarter of the total unit entitlement, are present in person or by proxy (Schedule 1, clause 17). If there is no quorum within half an hour, the chair must adjourn for at least 7 days or declare those present a quorum.
The strata committee is governed by Part 3 of the Act (ss.29–35). It can have up to 9 members (at least 3 in a large scheme of more than 100 lots), and members must be elected at each AGM (s.30).
Levies, budgets, and records
Administrative and capital works funds, contributions, and financial statements are regulated under the Act’s financial provisions.
Owners corporations must keep certain records and provide access in accordance with the Act.
Disputes
NSW Fair Trading provides information and mediation services for strata disputes.
Many applications to the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT) cannot be accepted unless Fair Trading mediation has been tried first (s.227). NCAT can then make orders under Part 12 of the Act.
How StrataBody helps
StrataBody supports NSW committees with the same core modules — meetings, requests, documents, communications, and owner portal — with Pro adding compliance registers, financials, quotes, and contractor workflows tied to server-side entitlements.