Every strata building eventually faces it—the unwanted “donation” to common property. A lounge left near the lift. An old fridge dumped by the bins. Or worse, a car that hasn’t moved from visitor parking in months.

It’s more than just untidy. Abandoned items can block access, create safety risks, and spark arguments between neighbours. So how do you deal with them legally and effectively in NSW?

Step 1: Know the Difference Between Litter and Abandoned Goods

Not every mess requires a formal process. A coffee cup left in the foyer or a flyer blown in from the street is just everyday rubbish—deal with it quickly and move on.

But once an item is left behind in a way that obstructs common property, it’s no longer “rubbish”—it’s abandoned goods. And in NSW, the owners corporation must follow a specific legal process before removing them.

Step 2: Issue the Proper Notice

The law doesn’t allow the owners corporation to simply throw things out. A disposal notice must be displayed on or near the item. That notice needs to:

• Be at least A4 size and weather-resistant
• Clearly describe the goods (e.g. “white two-door fridge”)
• State the date and time it was issued
• Provide the disposal date—at least 5 days later
• Include contact details for the strata manager or committee

This gives the rightful owner a fair chance to collect their property before it’s removed.

Step 3: Dispose, Sell, or Relocate

If the goods are still there after the notice period, the owners corporation can:

• Dispose of them, if they have no value
• Sell them, with proceeds placed into the scheme’s administrative fund
• Relocate them, if they obstruct use of the common property

Records of any sale must be kept for at least 12 months.

Step 4: Cars Are a Special Case

Vehicles left on common property are often the most contentious. The same 5-day notice process applies, but if the car remains unmoved, the owners corporation can:

• Have it towed or relocated
• Take legal ownership under NSW law
• Apply to the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT) to recover costs

Because vehicles are high-value, it’s critical to follow the law exactly—otherwise disputes can drag on and cost the scheme money.

Step 5: Prevention Is Always Better

From our experience at Metro Strata, the best way to reduce abandoned goods problems is prevention:

• Remind residents not to leave personal items in common areas
• Ensure by-laws clearly prohibit storage in shared spaces
• Provide adequate waste disposal options so dumping is discouraged

Good communication and strong by-laws make abandoned goods the exception, not the norm.

How Metro Strata Supports Committees

We’ve helped countless schemes deal with abandoned goods—from mattresses dumped in stairwells to vehicles blocking driveways. Our role is to:

• Prepare compliant notices so removal can’t be challenged
• Coordinate removal or sale once the timeframe lapses
• Keep thorough records for committee protection
• Advise on cases that escalate to NCAT

Ready for a Cleaner, Safer Building?

If your scheme is struggling with abandoned items or repeat offenders, it may be time to review your management approach.