Do bathroom renovations in apartments need strata approval? (Bathroom | Building & Approvals)

Renovating a bathroom in a Sydney apartment can dramatically improve your living experience, increase your property value, and give your home a modern, functional upgrade. However, apartment living comes with unique considerations compared to free-standing houses, particularly when it comes to strata approvals. A question that frequently arises among apartment owners is: “Do bathroom renovations in apartments need strata approval?”

The short answer is yes—almost always—but the specifics depend on the nature of your renovation, the building’s by-laws, and NSW strata regulations. Understanding strata approval requirements, when council approvals are also needed, and best practices for Sydney apartment owners is essential for a smooth, legally compliant bathroom renovation.

Understanding Strata Schemes in Sydney

Most apartments in Sydney fall under strata schemes, which are legal arrangements that allow individual ownership of units while sharing common property such as walls, floors, plumbing, and external structures. Strata schemes are governed by:

• Strata Schemes Management Act 2015 (NSW)

• Strata Schemes Management Regulation 2016 (NSW)

• Building-specific by-laws

These regulations ensure that renovations within individual apartments do not negatively impact shared property, compromise building safety, or affect other residents.

When Strata Approval is Required for Bathroom Renovations

Sydney apartment owners generally need strata approval for any renovation that impacts:

1. Common Property

   • Plumbing stacks, drainage pipes, and water supply lines shared by multiple units

   • Structural walls, floors, or ceilings that form part of the building’s structure

   • Balconies, shared courtyards, or wet areas that are considered common property

2. Noise, Dust, or Disruption

   • Renovations involving demolition, hammering, or cutting can affect neighbours

   • Work that requires scaffolding or access through shared areas

3. Waterproofing and Wet Areas

   • Changing tiles, bathtubs, or showers may affect wet area waterproofing

   • Ensuring compliance with AS 3740: Waterproofing of Wet Areas is critical to prevent leaks that could impact other units

4. Structural Modifications

   • Removing or altering walls or partitions

   • Relocating plumbing or electrical systems embedded in common property

Even if your renovation does not alter common property, some strata by-laws may require approval for aesthetic or functional changes within your unit.

Strata Approval Process for Bathroom Renovations

1. Check By-Laws and Owners Corporation Requirements

   • Obtain a copy of your building’s by-laws

   • Identify any renovation restrictions or notification requirements

2. Prepare a Renovation Plan

   • Include drawings, specifications, and a scope of work

   • Identify any impacts on common property or shared services

3. Engage Licensed Trades

   • NSW law requires licensed professionals for plumbing, electrical, and waterproofing work

   • Compliance with AS/NZS 3500 Plumbing and Drainage, AS/NZS 3000 Electrical, and AS 3740 Waterproofing is essential

4. Submit a Strata Renovation Request

   • Formally submit plans to the Owners Corporation or strata committee

   • Include details of tradespeople, project timelines, and compliance certificates

5. Strata Committee Review

   • The committee assesses whether the renovation impacts common property, safety, or other residents

   • Additional conditions may be imposed, such as approved working hours, noise restrictions, or insurance coverage

6. Obtain Written Approval

   • Written approval from the Owners Corporation is necessary before commencing work

   • Keep this documentation for insurance and compliance purposes

Council or Certifier Approvals May Still Be Required

Even with strata approval, some bathroom renovations may also need council or private certifier approval:

• Minor Cosmetic Upgrades

  • Replacing tiles, taps, or vanities within the same layout usually does not require a council DA or CDC

• Major Renovations

  • Structural changes, relocating plumbing, or expanding wet areas often require a Development Application (DA) or Complying Development Certificate (CDC)

• Licensed Trades Compliance

  • All plumbing, waterproofing, and electrical work must meet NSW building standards

It’s important for Sydney apartment owners to understand that strata approval does not replace council or certifier approval; both may be required depending on the scope of work.

Benefits of Following Strata Approval Procedures

1. Avoid Legal Disputes

   • Renovating without strata approval can result in fines, forced remediation, or legal action by the Owners Corporation

2. Protect Neighbours and Property

   • Proper waterproofing, plumbing, and structural work prevent water damage, leaks, or noise disruption

3. Insurance Compliance

   • Many home insurance policies require strata and council approvals for renovations

   • Unapproved work may void coverage in the event of damage or defects

4. Smooth Project Management

   • Engaging licensed trades and obtaining approval ensures timelines are met and quality is maintained

Practical Tips for Sydney Apartment Bathroom Renovations

1. Engage a Licensed Bathroom Renovation Contractor

   • Choose a contractor experienced in apartment renovations and strata compliance

   • Ensure they hold licences for plumbing (KBL), waterproofing, and electrical work

2. Document Everything

   • Keep records of strata approval, council approvals (if required), contracts, and compliance certificates

3. Plan for Noise and Access

   • Schedule renovations within approved hours

   • Coordinate deliveries and trades access to minimise disruption to neighbours

4. Verify Insurance Coverage

   • Ensure the contractor has Home Building Compensation (HBC) cover if the project exceeds $20,000

   • Confirm your strata building insurance and personal contents insurance coverage

5. Focus on Compliance and Safety

   • Ensure waterproofing meets AS 3740 standards

   • Use licensed plumbers and electricians to prevent leaks, mould, or electrical hazards

Common Strata Bathroom Renovation Scenarios

1. Minor Renovation Without Layout Changes

   • Replacing tiles, vanity, or taps within the same footprint

   • Usually requires strata notification but minimal council involvement

2. Full Renovation With Fixture Relocation

   • Moving showers, baths, or toilets

   • Requires both strata approval and council/CDC approval

   • Compliance with plumbing, waterproofing, and electrical standards is mandatory

3. Structural or Wet Area Alterations

   • Removing walls or altering wet area boundaries

   • Requires strata approval, council DA or CDC, and licensed trades for compliance

Key Takeaways

• Bathroom renovations in Sydney apartments almost always require strata approval, particularly if they impact common property, plumbing stacks, or structural elements.

• Minor cosmetic upgrades may only require notification to the Owners Corporation, but confirming by-laws is essential.

• Strata approval does not replace the need for council or private certifier approvals if the renovation involves structural changes, fixture relocation, or plumbing/electrical modifications.

• Using licensed contractors ensures compliance with AS 3740 waterproofing, AS/NZS 3500 plumbing, and AS/NZS 3000 electrical standards.

• Keeping thorough records of approvals, contracts, and compliance certificates protects homeowners from legal disputes, insurance issues, and project delays.

By following strata and council procedures, Sydney apartment owners can successfully upgrade their bathrooms safely, legally, and with minimal disruption to neighbours. Engaging licensed trades ensures high-quality workmanship, regulatory compliance, and peace of mind.

For professional guidance, licensed bathroom renovation services, strata management support, and full compliance handling in Sydney, visit www.mb9.com.au. MB9 Australia Pty Ltd helps homeowners navigate the complexities of apartment renovations while delivering safe, stylish, and compliant bathrooms from start to finish.