One of the simplest ways to reduce household carbon emissions is by minimising the use of clothes dryers. But in strata living, drying clothes outdoors isn’t always straightforward. Restrictions on using balconies for hanging laundry have long been a point of contention, with appearance, by-laws, and environmental concerns all at play.

The Traditional Restrictions

Under the Strata Schemes Management Act 1996, Schedule 1 stated:

“An owner or occupier of a lot must not, except with the consent in writing of the owners corporation, hang any washing, towel, bedding, clothing or other article on any part of the parcel in such a way as to be visible from outside the building other than on any lines provided by the owners corporation for the purpose and there only for a reasonable period.”

Traditionally, Owners Corporations discouraged residents from drying clothes on balconies, believing it created an unsightly appearance.

The Push for Change

In 2010, NSW Fair Trading recommended loosening these restrictions. Residents would be allowed to hang washing on their lot as long as it wasn’t visible from the street. If visible, written Owners Corporation approval was required.

Deputy Commissioner Steve Griffin explained: “During our consultation there was overwhelming support for us to go down this path because it’s more environmentally friendly. But there were also concerns that there’d be laundry everywhere, and it wouldn’t be such a great look for buildings.”

The Amended Regulation

The Strata Schemes Management Regulation 2010, Schedule 2, introduced a new clause:

• Washing may be hung on lines provided by the Owners Corporation, but only for a reasonable period.
• Residents may hang washing anywhere on their lot if it is not visible from street level.
• If washing is visible from the street, prior written approval from the Owners Corporation is required.

For these rules to take effect, Owners Corporations need to adopt them formally as a by-law.

Practical Tips

If residents must use dryers, they can still minimise energy use by:

• Spin-drying clothes in the washing machine before placing them in the dryer.
• Regularly cleaning the dryer’s lint filter to maintain efficiency and airflow.

Balancing Aesthetics and Sustainability

These changes aim to strike a balance: maintaining a neat building exterior while supporting environmentally friendly practices. With Owners Corporations adopting updated by-laws, strata residents can enjoy reduced energy bills and contribute to lowering carbon emissions.