Strata By-Laws

Strata By-Laws are essential rules made for a particular building in order to keep the building at a certain standard expected by the owners. 

Sometimes Strata By-Laws can be interpreted in your favour, for instance a By-Law may allow visitors to park cars in unused common areas of the car park. Other By-Laws may go against you, for example by banning pets. 

When making alterations to your property internally it is very important that you seek the advice of a lawyer in determining whether you are able to renovate or change parts of your dwelling. When alterations touch or concern common property as a general rule you cannot change that part of the building. However, you can seek to make a By-Law that allows you to add to, demolish or rebuild structural elements with the help of a specialist builder or engineer and a lawyer drafting the By-Law. 

The By-Law will need to be accepted by the owners corporation, it is not a sure thing. However you do have a chance at improving your property if you can convince the owners corp to accept your By - Law. 

Drafting By Laws can be quite technical and requires in depth research. It is always advisable to talk to a lawyer before trying to change a By-Law.