NSW: Q&A Installing air conditioning in an apartment

Question: Does the strata committee have the right to block me replacing my non-working aircon unit with a similar unit?

I have applied to strata committee to replace my ageing non-working air conditioning unit with like replacement. I have sent detailed plan of replacement to the committee. There are no new attachments or invasion of common areas. I have been advised that I need to get a bye law passed to do this. I regard this as unreasonable conduct.

Does the strata committee have the right to block me replacing my non-working aircon unit with a similar unit? They have informed me that I need to get the bylaw passed at special committee meeting at my own cost.

Answer: If your external unit is floor mounted, that may impact on waterproofing, which in turn is why the committee is insisting on a by-law.

Split-system air-conditioning is deemed a “minor renovation” under the strata legislation, unless, among other things, the air-conditioning involves waterproofing. If your external unit is floor mounted, that may impact on waterproofing, which in turn is why the committee is insisting on a by-law. Alternatively, it may be that your local council requires some form of consent for air-conditioning, in which case, a by-law would also be required.

For the full question and our detailed response, visit the original publication at Look Up Strata.

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