Living in a strata scheme comes with shared responsibilities—and plenty of questions. At Metro Strata, we’re often asked about meetings, maintenance, levies, and what owners can and can’t do. To make life easier, we’ve pulled together answers to the most common strata FAQs.

How often are Owners Corporation meetings held?

Every Owners Corporation must hold an Annual General Meeting (AGM) once every 12 months, as required under the Strata Schemes Management Act 2015 (NSW). This doesn’t need to be tied to the anniversary of the first AGM—it just needs to happen once in every financial year.

Any financial owner (with levies paid up) can submit motions in writing before the meeting. These can cover anything from budgets to by-law changes.

How often are Strata Committee meetings held?

The Act doesn’t set fixed intervals for Strata Committee meetings. They’re usually held as needed, or when at least one-third of committee members request a meeting. In many schemes, routine functions are delegated to the strata manager, meaning fewer formal committee meetings are required.

What do cleaners and gardeners do?

Cleaners and gardeners must follow a strict service specification agreed with the Owners Corporation, covering tasks like cleaning, mowing, and gardening.

• Frequency depends on your building’s size and budget (weekly or fortnightly is common).
• If contractors underperform, the Owners Corporation can terminate their services and appoint new ones.

Do I need permission to alter my lot?

In most cases, yes. Alterations such as air-conditioners, skylights, pergolas, blinds or awnings require approval. This is because common property cannot be damaged or altered without owners corporation consent.

• Minor works: May be approved by the strata manager or committee.
• Major works: May require a special by-law passed at a general meeting.

Can I connect Pay TV (Foxtel)?

Yes, but it depends on your building type.

• Townhouses/Villas: Often allow individual or group satellite installations. Individual setups are cheaper but may affect building appearance if many dishes are installed.
• Units: Usually require a group connection. Foxtel may install free in smaller buildings (under 12 units, less than 3 storeys). Larger complexes often face costs of $200–$500 per unit, funded by special levies and approved at a general meeting.

Who is responsible for maintenance?

This is a complex topic (so complex we’ve created a separate guide). In short:

• The Owners Corporation is responsible for common property.
• Owners are responsible for everything inside their lot.

For detailed breakdowns, see our upcoming article on Strata Maintenance Responsibilities.

Am I allowed to keep a pet?

This depends on your scheme’s by-laws. Common approaches are:

• Pets allowed with owners corporation approval
• Certain pets (e.g., cats, dogs, fish, birds) allowed with conditions
• Pets not permitted at all

Importantly, by law, guide dogs and assistance animals cannot be prohibited.

How often are financial reports produced?

By law, a copy of the financial statements must accompany the AGM notice each year.

At Metro Strata, we go further by providing reports every 6 months, including:

• Balance sheet
• Income & expenditure for admin and sinking funds
• Itemised expenditure list
• Individual levy positions

Committee members can also access live records through our online portal.

What do my levies pay for?

Levies are split into two funds:

• Administration Fund – covers day-to-day expenses such as insurance, cleaning, gardening, utilities, audits, and fire certification.
• Sinking (Capital Works) Fund – covers long-term works like repainting, refurbishments, or replacing carpets and building components.

Levies are set annually at the AGM based on budget estimates. Owners should review these estimates carefully before voting.

What if there’s an emergency repair?

Your first call should always be to your strata manager, who can arrange the appropriate trades.

• For after-hours emergencies, check the notice board in your building for approved contractors.
• Metro Strata also provides each scheme with a list of 24/7 emergency contacts.

What if rubbish is dumped on common property?

Dumping rubbish on common property is prohibited under the Strata Schemes Management Regulation 2010.

If you see dumped rubbish:

1. Notify the building manager or cleaner immediately for removal.
2. Alert the owners corporation to document the incident.
3. A notice should be issued to all owners reminding them that rubbish dumping breaches by-laws.

Quick action is vital—not just for appearance, but to prevent hazards.

Metro Strata’s Advice

Strata living comes with rules designed to keep communities safe, fair, and functional. While the legislation can seem complicated, the right strata manager helps simplify things. At Metro Strata, we pride ourselves on clear communication, transparent reporting, and proactive support so owners can enjoy their property without stress.

Final Word

Got more questions about strata living? From levies and pets to meetings and maintenance, Metro Strata is here to help.