Question: We found termites in our lot and reported it to the strata committee. Who pays for the treatment?
We found termites in our lot and reported it to the strata committee. The common property has not had a termite inspection since 2018.
Who is responsible for paying for the treatment in our lot?
Answer: Responsibility for termite treatment in a strata scheme depends on where the termites are located and whether common property is affected.
Responsibility for Termite Treatment in NSW Strata
The responsibility for termite treatment in a strata scheme in NSW depends on where the termites are located and whether common property is affected.
Under the Strata Schemes Management Act 2015 (NSW), the owners corporation is responsible for maintaining and repairing common property. This includes addressing pest issues, such as termites, that affect or originate from common property.
In your situation, the key issue is determining the extent and source of the termite activity:
- If the termites are confined solely within your lot and there is no evidence they are affecting common property, the cost of treatment is generally the lot owner’s responsibility.
- However, if termites are present in, or have spread to, common property, for example, structural elements, walls, subfloor areas, or roof voids, the owners corporation would typically be responsible for treatment of those areas and any necessary remedial works.
The fact that the common property has not had a termite inspection since 2018 is relevant. While there is no strict legislative requirement for routine termite inspections, the owners corporation has a duty to properly maintain common property. A significant lapse in inspections may mean the strata committee should now arrange a comprehensive termite inspection of the entire building.
This post appears in the June 2026 edition of The NSW Strata Magazine.
Sean Bermingham The Strata Collective E: info@thestratacollective.com.au P: 02 9137 2320
