Strata Refused Your Renovation? How to Formally Challenge the Decision

You want to replace the carpet with timber-look flooring. You want to install a split-system air conditioner. You want to renovate your bathroom. The strata committee has said no. In most Australian states, the law sets out three categories of renovation — cosmetic, minor, and major — with very different approval thresholds, and many refusals don’t survive a formal challenge.

The three categories and your state’s law

New South Wales: Strata Schemes Management Act 2015 sections 109–111. Cosmetic work needs no approval. Minor renovations (new kitchens, hard floors, A/C) need a simple majority at a general meeting — refusal must be reasonable. Major renovations (structural, waterproofing, external) need a special resolution. NCAT reviews unreasonable refusals. Victoria: Owners Corporations Act 2006 (VCAT). Queensland: Body Corporate and Community Management Act 1997 (BCCM). Western Australia: Strata Titles Act 1985 (SAT). South Australia: Strata Titles Act 1988 (SACAT). Australian Capital Territory: Unit Titles (Management) Act 2011 (ACAT). Tasmania: Strata Titles Act 1998 (TASCAT). Northern Territory: Unit Title Schemes Act 2009 (NTCAT).

Common refusal grounds and why they often fail

“The by-laws don’t allow it.” Most by-laws can be overridden by a properly-passed resolution; blanket prohibitions on minor works are usually unreasonable. “It might cause noise/damage.” Hypothetical concerns must be addressed by reasonable conditions, not outright refusal. “We don’t approve floor changes.” Hard-floor approvals must consider acoustic ratings, not blanket refusal. “You haven’t provided enough information.” The committee must specify what’s missing, not refuse on vague grounds.

What the document does

A Strata Complaint for renovation refusal challenges the decision in writing, identifies which of the three renovation categories your work falls into, frames the refusal as unreasonable under the relevant Act, and requests fresh consideration with proper reasons or unconditional approval.

What Claim Done delivers

For a flat fee, Claim Done drafts the complaint with the correct Act citations and renovation-category framing for your state, the specific reasons the refusal is unreasonable, and the relief you want. Around ten minutes in the wizard.

What happens after

Many committees back down once they see the legal framing — the cost of defending an unreasonable refusal at tribunal usually exceeds the cost of approval with conditions. If the committee holds firm, you can apply to your state tribunal for orders deeming consent given.