NSW: Strata approval for renovations – What is the process?

Question: Do owners need owners corporation approval to install a home gym in their apartment?

Answer: The owner should consider how the noise from the use of the equipment may affect the residents in the surrounding units.

The answer to this question is not easy without having more details about the home gym. If the gym is only a rowing machine and a stationary bike, for instance, then no approvals are required. However, the owner should consider how the noise from the use of the equipment may affect the residents in the surrounding units.

Without knowing the extent of the renovations required to install a home gym, we must consider the different categories of renovations as defined under the Strata Schemes Management Act 2015 (NSW):

• Cosmetic work – no approval required. (Section 109)
  
• Minor renovations – require approval from the owners corporation or strata committee. (Section 110)
  
• Major renovations – require a special resolution of the owners corporation and the registration of a bylaw on title. (Section 108)
  

Cosmetic work includes tasks such as painting, installing blinds, laying carpet or hanging picture hooks. It does not include structural alterations, changes to waterproofing or work involving common services.

Would a home gym be considered cosmetic, minor or major work?

Installing a home gym typically involves:

• Anchoring or securing equipment to walls, floors, or ceilings;
  
• Potential noise and vibration issues;
  
• Possible connection to common property services (e.g., additional power circuits);
  
• Structural considerations where mounting or modifications to fixtures are required.
  

These elements generally go beyond cosmetic work. While such an installation may not always constitute a major renovation, it will typically fall under the category of minor renovations. However, if structural changes or interference with waterproofing or common property are involved, it may be classified as a major renovation.

What Approvals Are Needed?

• a) Check your scheme’s bylaws first
  Bylaws differ from scheme to scheme and may define what qualifies as a “minor renovation” or what restrictions apply (e.g. noise levels, hours of use) as well as delegating authority to the strata committee to approve minor renovations.
  
• b) Submit a detailed application
  If the proposed installation is a minor renovation, a written application is required. This should typically include:
  • Detailed plans or layout of the gym setup,
    
  • Equipment specifications and mounting/anchoring details,
    
  • Noise and vibration mitigation measures,
    
  • Proof of licensed installer/insurer credentials,
    
  • Possibly an engineering certification if attachments rely on the structure.
    
  Approval may be granted by:
  • The strata committee (if a bylaw delegates authority), or
    
  • The owners corporation, at a general meeting by ordinary resolution (50%+ vote)
    
• c) If classified as major renovation
  If any part of your installation affects structure, waterproof membranes, or common property, a major renovation assessment is needed. That requires:
  • A special resolution (no more than 25% of the votes cast (based on unit entitlement) to be against the resolution) at a meeting of the owners corporation,
    
  • A custom bylaw granting renovation rights, and
    
  • Registration on title through Land Registry Services
    

Risks of Proceeding Without Approval

If an owner proceeds without obtaining the necessary approvals, the owners corporation may:

• Issue a notice to remove or rectify the unauthorised works,
  
• Recover costs from the lot owner for restoration or damages, and
  
• Pursue action through NCAT (NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal).
  

This post appears in the September 2025 edition of The NSW Strata Magazine.

Jana Antelmann Strata Life E: jana@thestratalife.com.au P: 02 9456 9917