Question: The exterior paint on my lot in a duplex is peeling. Do I need approval to repaint my lot in the same colour?
I live in a duplex. I would like to repaint the exterior of my lot. Our by-law says, “The owner-occupier of a lot must not, without the prior written approval of the owners corporation, maintain within the lot anything visible from the outside of the lot that, viewed from outside the lot, is not in keeping with the rest of the building”.
The paint on my unit exterior is peeling. Do I need approval to repaint the duplex in the same colour?
Answer: I recommended you seek written confirmation from the owners corporation to avoid disputes.
According to your by-law and the Strata Schemes Management Act 2015, you generally need approval from the owners corporation for any changes visible from the outside of your unit. However, if you are repainting in the same colour to address peeling paint, this is considered maintenance rather than a change in appearance.
While approval might not strictly be required for maintenance, I recommended you seek written confirmation from the owners corporation to avoid disputes. Submit a brief written request explaining you are repainting in the existing colour for upkeep and include photos of the current condition. This will confirm that your work complies with your by-law and help ensure no issues arise later.
This post appears in the April 2025 edition of The NSW Strata Magazine.
James Delany Alliance Management Services E: james@alliancemanagementservices.com.au P: 02 7201 0418