Do you need strata approval for floating hybrid flooring?

QLD

Maintenance & Common Property

We are considering installing floating hybrid flooring with underlay on top of the existing tiled flooring. Would this require strata approval?

We own a unit with a tiled floor. We are considering installing floating hybrid flooring with underlay on top of the existing tiled flooring. Would this require strata approval since it's not actually changing the common property tile floor beneath the floorboards?

Would there be some approval required if slight changes to the front door clearance were necessary as a result?

In most circumstances, this type of improvement will be regulated by the by-laws for the scheme.

The legislation only regulates improvements to common property – by requiring body corporate approval. The legislation does not extend to regulating improvements to lots – such as the proposed flooring installation.

However, in most circumstances this type of improvement will be regulated by the by-laws for the scheme. The owner should review the by-laws and check whether there are any approval processes required before carrying out the proposed installation. If approval is required, the committee can impose reasonable and relevant conditions in relation to the improvement.

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Published: 13 Apr 2026

Last Updated: 7 Jul 2026

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Answer by

Todd Garsden

Mahoneys

Todd is an experienced property lawyer who heads up Mahoneys body corporate team.

Todd specialises in body corporate law and predominantly acts for bodies corporate, body corporate managers and lot owners on all matters affecting bodies corporate.

Todd is an active member of the Strata Community Association (Qld). In 2019 he was appointed to the Strata Community Association (Qld) legislation committee and assists in making submissions on behalf of the Strata Community Association (Qld) on issues such as legislative reform in body corporate law.

As Todd is also a body corporate committee member, he understands the day to day requirements of administering a body corporate.

Todd has a focus on achieving practical and commercial results for his clients and understands the market in which bodies corporate operate within.

Todd also provides body corporate managers, and other industry stakeholders, with presentations and training on matters affecting the body corporate industry.