Understanding Strata By-Laws
Understanding Strata By-Laws in WA
Strata by-laws govern how people live and interact within a strata property. Whether you’re a lot owner, tenant, or council member, knowing your by-laws—and how to work with them—is essential for harmonious, legal strata living.
By-laws are the rules that govern day-to-day living in your complex. They cover things like noise, parking, pets, renovations, and shared areas. Every owner and resident must comply with them.
What Are Strata By-Laws?
Strata by-laws are legally enforceable rules that apply to everyone within a strata scheme. They sit alongside the Strata Titles Act 1985 (WA) and help manage the use of common property, individual lots, and shared facilities.
By-laws apply to:
- Lot owners
- Tenants
- Visitors
They exist to protect the safety, fairness, and functionality of shared living. They sit alongside the Strata Titles Act 1985 (WA) and help manage the use of common property, individual lots, and shared facilities.
Common Examples of Strata By-Laws
Here are some typical by-laws found in WA strata schemes:
- Parking – “Residents may only park in designated bays.”
- Pets – “Written approval is required before keeping a pet.”
- Noise – “Noise must be kept to a minimum between 10pm and 7am.”
- Renovations – “Internal renovations must be approved by the council.”
- Smoking – “Smoking is prohibited in all common areas.”
- Use of Balconies – “Balconies must not be used for storage or drying clothes.”
Each strata scheme can create its own by-laws, as long as they’re legal and registered.
How Are Strata By-Laws Made or Changed?
Changes to by-laws must follow a proper process:
- Drafting: A proposed by-law is written clearly and legally.
- Council Decision: It must be passed by a special resolution at a general meeting.
- Lodgement: The by-law is lodged with Landgate within 3 months of the vote.
- Registration: Once registered, it becomes enforceable.
💡 Many owners don’t realise their by-laws can be modernised to suit their current needs.
How Are By-Laws Enforced?
Enforcement starts with awareness. Here’s how issues are usually handled:
- Reminder: Friendly notification or signage
- Formal Notice: Issued by the Strata Council or Manager
- Penalty: In some cases, fines may be imposed
- Mediation or Tribunal: Severe or repeated breaches can escalate to SAT (State Administrative Tribunal)
For a full overview of responsibilities, see our Guide for Strata Council including how by-laws are enforced fairly.
Your Rights and Responsibilities
As an owner or resident, you have the right to:
- Know the current by-laws
- Challenge unfair by-laws via the Tribunal
- Propose new by-laws through proper process
You’re responsible for:
- Following all registered by-laws
- Ensuring your tenants are aware of and follow the rules
- Notifying management if you believe a rule is being breached
How Redstone Lane Helps
At Redstone Lane, we make by-laws easy to understand and manage. Whether you’re navigating a pet approval, renovation request, or looking to update outdated by-laws, we guide your council with:
- Practical advice
- Drafting assistance
- Meeting preparation
- Lodgement and compliance
Contact us now →We also support you if you’re looking to change your strata manager to improve communication or performance.
Strata By-Laws Explained – WA Edition
This video covers:
- What strata by-laws are
- Common WA by-laws (pets, parking, noise)
- How by-laws are created or changed
FAQs About Strata By-Laws
Q: Can I change my strata scheme’s by-laws?
A: Yes. It requires a special resolution at a general meeting and must be registered with Landgate.
Q: What if someone is breaking a by-law?
A: Notify the strata council or manager. If the issue continues, formal notices or SAT intervention may be needed.
Q: Are all strata schemes bound by the same by-laws?
A: No. Each scheme can register its own, but they must not conflict with WA law.
Ready for Better Strata?
If you want a strata manager who actually makes things easier—reach out to Redstone Lane.