From 1 July 2025, if a strata committee doesn't respond in writing to a minor renovation request within 3 months, the renovation is automatically approved. It's a simple rule with real teeth — and it changes how committees and owners handle requests.
What's a "minor renovation"?
Minor renovations are works that aren't structural and aren't cosmetic — they sit in the middle. Think things like:
- Renovating a kitchen
- Changing recessed light fittings
- Installing or changing wood, carpet, tile or other hard floors
- Installing or replacing wiring, cabling, power or access points
- Reconfiguring walls (non-load-bearing)
Cosmetic work (painting, hanging pictures, replacing curtains) doesn't need approval. Structural work (anything involving load-bearing walls, waterproofing, or affecting common property) needs a full special resolution.
How the new rule works
If your scheme has a by-law that lets the committee decide on minor renovation requests (most do), the committee has 3 months from receiving the request to respond in writing with reasons if they want to refuse.
If they don't respond within 3 months — the renovation is taken to be approved.
What the committee must do
- Treat every request seriously and look at it on its merits.
- If refusing, provide written reasons within 3 months.
- Keep a record of every approved minor renovation for 10 years.
What the owner should do
- Submit the request in writing with enough detail (description, materials, contractor, dates).
- Keep your own copy with the date you sent it. The 3 months runs from when the committee receives it.
- If the 3 months passes with no written response, follow up in writing confirming the renovation is approved by default.
What this means for your scheme
Committees can't park requests anymore. If you sit on a request hoping it goes away, you can lose the right to refuse it. That's a real shift in power towards the owner.
For committees: have a process. Acknowledge requests as soon as they come in, set a clear date you'll respond by, and put refusals in writing with proper reasons.
For owners: this is good news. Document everything, follow up, and don't be afraid to remind the committee of the deadline.
Where to get the form
You can submit a renovation request to us using our online form or PDF — head to our forms page for the Renovation Application.
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Source
NSW Government — Guide to strata law changes for strata committees and owners (1 April 2026): nsw.gov.au/housing-and-construction/strata/guide-to-strata-law-changes-for-strata-committees-and-owners