Renovating a strata property in Perth can feel exciting, especially when you want to modernise your home, improve functionality or increase your property’s value. However, strata properties come with shared responsibilities, and not every renovation can go ahead without permission. This guide explains the key strata renovation rules in WA, what owners should check before starting work and why by-laws, common property and approval processes matter.
The strata renovations Perth owners want to complete can range from simple cosmetic updates to major structural work. You might want to replace flooring, renovate a bathroom, install air-conditioning, upgrade a kitchen or change a balcony area. While these projects may seem private because they happen inside your lot, strata living often involves shared structures, shared services and shared responsibilities.
That is why any strata renovation project in Perth should begin with the appropriate checks and approvals. Before you book trades, buy materials or begin demolition, you need to understand whether your renovation affects common property, building appearance, noise, waterproofing, plumbing, electrical systems or other owners.
Why Strata Renovations Need Extra Care
A freestanding house usually gives the owner more control over renovation decisions. In a strata scheme, things work differently because your lot forms part of a larger property. Your walls, floors, ceilings, pipes, balconies, courtyards, external doors, windows and shared services may connect to common property or affect neighbouring lots. While this does not mean you cannot renovate, it simply means you need to follow the correct process before undertaking any works.
The strata company, which is the legal entity made up of all lot owners, has responsibilities around the shared property and the overall scheme. A strata management company may help with administration, communication, meeting notices, records and guidance, but the owners, through the strata company or council of owners, usually make the relevant decisions.
Understanding Strata Renovation Rules in WA
Strata renovation rules in WA can depend on the type of work, the strata plan, the scheme by-laws and whether the renovation affects common property. Some minor updates may not need formal approval, while more involved works may require written permission before you begin.
Cosmetic changes, such as painting internal walls, replacing loose furniture or updating removable fittings, may be straightforward if they do not affect common property or other owners. However, renovations involving flooring, waterproofing, plumbing, electrical changes, walls, windows, balconies, external fixtures or structural elements may need approval.
For example, replacing carpet with hard flooring may affect noise transfer between lots. Bathroom renovations may affect waterproofing and plumbing. Installing an air-conditioning unit may affect the building exterior, drainage, noise levels and common property. These examples show why owners should never assume that work inside a lot sits outside strata requirements.
Check the Strata By-Laws Before You Start
Strata by-law renovation rules can set out what owners can and cannot do within the scheme. By-laws may cover noise, appearance, flooring, parking for contractors, waste removal, work hours, common property access and approval requirements.
Some schemes may have specific by-laws that deal with renovation applications. These by-laws may require owners to provide plans, contractor details, insurance certificates, engineering reports, waterproofing certificates or written undertakings before work begins. They may also place conditions on how the renovation must be carried out.
It is worth reading the by-laws carefully before you speak to trades. A renovation that looks simple from your perspective may create concerns for the wider scheme if it affects safety, amenity, building integrity, or another owner’s use of their lot. Renovation-related disagreements can also escalate into strata disputes if approval processes are not followed.
Permission You May Need
The permission you need will depend on the renovation. In many cases, owners should submit a written request that explains the proposed work clearly. This may include the scope of work, drawings or plans, contractor details, proposed dates, expected noise, access needs and any impact on common property.
The strata company or council of owners may need time to review the request. In some cases, the matter may need approval at a general meeting. This can take longer than expected, so owners should build approval time into their renovation schedule.
You may also need local council approvals or building permits, depending on the nature of the work. Strata approval and council approval are not the same thing. Even if a contractor says the work does not need council approval, you may still need strata approval under the scheme’s by-laws or strata requirements.
Questions to Ask Before Renovating a Strata Property in Perth
Before you start renovating, it helps to ask a few practical questions, such as:
- Does the work affect common property?
- Do the by-laws require approval?
- Will the renovation affect noise, waterproofing, plumbing, electrical systems, ventilation, drainage or the building exterior?
- Do you need professional reports or contractor insurance details?
- Will contractors need access to common areas?
- Who will clean up renovation waste?
- What hours can work take place?
If you are planning strata renovations Perth and need clearer guidance around strata renovation rules in WA, strata by-laws renovations or strata Management in Perth, Strata Manager Finder WA can connect you with experienced strata management professionals in Perth. Get free quotes today!
FAQs
Do I need approval to renovate my strata property in Perth?
In most cases, yes – at least for anything beyond minor cosmetic changes. Whether you need formal written approval depends on the type of work, your scheme’s by-laws and whether the renovation affects common property, building appearance, waterproofing, plumbing or electrical systems. Even work that takes place entirely inside your lot may still require strata approval if it could impact neighbouring lots or shared infrastructure. Always check your by-laws and speak with your strata manager before booking any trades.
What counts as common property in a WA strata scheme?
Generally, anything outside the boundaries of individual lots that is shared by all owners. This can include external walls, roofs, stairwells, lobbies, gardens, driveways, and shared service lines such as plumbing and electrical conduits. In some schemes, elements like balconies, windows and external doors may also form part of common property. Because boundaries vary between strata plans, review your specific strata plan before starting any renovation work.
How long does strata renovation approval take in WA?
Timeframes vary depending on the complexity of the work and how your scheme operates. Minor renovation requests reviewed by the council of owners can sometimes be approved within a few weeks. More significant works, particularly those that affect common property or require changes to the scheme’s by-laws, may need to go to a general meeting of all owners, which can take considerably longer. Build approval time into your renovation schedule rather than assuming a quick turnaround.
