Blog post updated on 5/12/2022
Strata Annual Reporting – Commences 30 June 2022
NSW Government is in the process of developing a digital hub to “revolutionise strata management”. The Strata Hub will be a central point of information on NSW’s 82,000 strata schemes. Information held on the Strata Hub will increase transparency and access to information for Strata Schemes. Purchasers will be able to obtain information on a potential purchase and current persons on the Strata Roll (owners, potentially tenants) can get documents and information such as how environmentally friendly a building is reported to be. Further, the regulator will be better able to monitor a scheme’s ongoing maintenance and defect management.
Information on the Strata Hub is expected to include data the NSW Government currently hold’s on a scheme and from the new annual reporting requirements placed on schemes.
Summary
Within 3 months of each AGM, schemes will be required to provide key details about the scheme, including building, safety and management information to the NSW Government. Obligations will exist to correct or update information within 28 days after the secretary or managing agent becomes aware of a change. Requirements may be enforced by fines of up to $2,200. The breakdown of who is able to access what information is included in the table below.
When does it start?
The reporting requirements commenced on 30 June 2022. All schemes will need to be registered on the portal by 31 December 2022 (penalties may apply from 1 July 2023 (postponed from 30 September 2022)). The government is still in the process of developing the hub and working out the final details. The below information is what we have been made aware of, however there may be changes between now and when the scheme rolls out.
Dates:
July 2022 – Strata schemes may now register to the strata portal
August 2022 – Individual strata schemes or delegated managing agents can enter their reporting into the strata portal and pay the $3 per lot fee
September 2022 – Strata managers ‘bulk upload’ for multiple strata schemes & BPAY available
December 2022 – Strata schemes “should submit their first report by the end of December” (NSW Fair Trading), however the Regulations state schemes are required to submit the information for the first time “by 31 December 2022”. Not the “clearest” instructions around. Strata Life will aim to lodge the information on behalf of our strata schemes by the end of December 2022 as required by the Regulations.
July 2023 – Penalties may apply if strata schemes don’t meet their reporting requirements
What information is required?
Information | Available to the Public? | Available to those on the Strata Roll? | Available to Council/Fire & Rescue? | Available to Police, SES & Ambulance? |
Strata plan number | YES | YES | YES | YES |
Date of scheme registration | YES | YES | YES | YES |
Address of scheme | YES | YES | YES | YES |
Total number of lots | YES | YES | YES | YES |
Use of lots | YES | YES | YES | YES |
– Residential purposes | YES | YES | YES | YES |
– Retirement village | YES | YES | YES | YES |
– Commercial | YES | YES | YES | YES |
– Utility lots | YES | YES | YES | YES |
– Other purposes | YES | YES | YES | YES |
Details if the scheme part of a community or precinct scheme | YES | YES | YES | YES |
NABERS rating | NO | NO | NO | NO |
Date of occupation certificates | NO | NO | NO | NO |
Date of AFSS (if applicable) | NO | YES | YES | NO |
Number of storeys above ground (class 2) | YES | YES | YES | YES |
Strata manager details | NO | YES | YES | NO |
Building manager details (if applicable.) | NO | YES | NO | NO |
The building insurance replacement value | NO | NO | NO | NO |
Full name, phone* & email address for: | ||||
– Secretary | NO | YES | YES | NO |
– Chairperson | NO | YES | YES | NO |
– Emergency contact | NO | NO | YES | YES |
Date of the most recent AGM | YES | YES | YES | YES |
The balance of the Capital Works Fund | NO | NO | NO | NO |
If a strata renewal committee is established | NO | YES | NO | NO |
*NSW Government advises the phone number of the Secretary and Chairperson “will not be disclosed”, however the regulations state the phone numbers may be disclose to persons on the Strata Roll. Due to public pressure we anticipate the regulations may be amended to confirm the phone numbers “will not be disclosed”.
Enforcement and cost:
Penalties for non-compliance apply for providing incorrect information (up to $220) and for not providing the information initially (up to $5,000).
A fee of $3 per lot is also payable to the NSW Fair Trading annually to cover administration and enforcement costs.
Conclusion:
Will the Strata Hub and new reporting requirements provide a digital hub to revolutionise strata management, or be a further bureaucratic process that costs strata schemes time and money? We are hopeful it will enhance the industry, but time will tell.
More information:
- NSW Government – www.nsw.gov.au/housing-and-construction/strata/annual-reporting
- Strata Community Australia (NSW) – nsw.strata.community/strata-hub/
- Strata Schemes Management Amendment (Information) Regulation – legislation.nsw.gov.au/view/pdf/asmade/sl-2021-773
- NSW Government media release – www.nsw.gov.au/media-releases/digital-hub-to-revolutionise-strata-management
About Strata Life – Strata Management Services
At Strata Life we strive to take the pressure of the day to day running of a strata scheme off of the shoulders of the committee members and owners. Whilst the nature of strata itself does mean that the owners/ committee are responsible for the decisions, the pressure is reduced by having a proactive manager provide guidance with a plain sense approach and quickly actioning issues as they arise.
We appreciate Committee members often have full time jobs and busy lives. Add to this that the strata scheme is often your home where Committee members do not want to have to police other residents.
Our aim is to minimise the work and time where we can, take on the role of reminding owners and residents of the by-laws so that everyone can peacefully enjoy community living.
Our team has extensive experience with properties on the Upper North Shore, Hornsby and the Northern Beaches areas, with excellent local contractors and superior local knowledge.
Helpful links
- The Strata Life advantage »
- Our service level guarantee »
- Our strata managers »
- The history of Strata Life »
- Changing strata managers »
Get in touch
Whether you’re an existing client or not, our strata managers are here to help with all matters relating to strata schemes and community living. Our office is open Monday – Friday, 9 am – 5 pm to answer your call or, for after-hours assistance, please complete our online enquiry form and we’ll get back to you the following business day.
Telephone : 02 9456 9965
Email: contact@thestratalife.com.au
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Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is general information only and not legal advice. The currency, accuracy and completeness of this article (and its contents) should be checked by obtaining independent legal advice before you take any action or otherwise rely upon its contents in any way. Strata Life disclaims any liability for negligence or otherwise in any way connected with this article.