Strata Law

Expert legal advice for Owners Corporations, Lot Owners & Developers

Strata schemes are complex and constantly evolving. At Bartier Perry, our specialist strata lawyers - led by Partner Sharon Levy and Senior Associate Emma Swords - brings tailored expertise and hands-on experience across the most challenging strata, community and mixed-use schemes in New South Wales.

Our team provides end-to-end support across all strata issues to give you clear advice to help navigate change, manage risk and resolve disputes efficiently. We act for Owners Corporations, lot owners, associations, developers and builders with an approach that is practical, responsive, and grounded in real-world experience.

Who we act for and our strata legal services

Owners Corporations

We support strata committees across schemes of all sizes – from two-lot schemes to large, complex mixed-use developments. Our focus is helping committees manage schemes effectively, comply with statutory obligations and resolve disputes efficiently.

Compliance, governance & everyday advice

• Interpretation of the Strata Schemes Management Act 2015 (NSW).

• Advice on common property, exclusive-use areas and repair responsibilities.

• Drafting, reviewing and enforcing by-laws.

• Renovation approvals and common property rights.

• Guidance on meeting procedures, voting and decision-making processes.

Building maintenance and defects

• Repair obligations and structural issues such as water ingress, mould and façade failures.

• Legal claims against builders, developers and contractors for defects under the Home Building Act 1989 (NSW) and the Design and Building Practitioners Act 2020 (NSW).

• Coordination with building experts for defect investigations.

• Guidance on building bonds and early-stage defect processes under the Strata Building Bond and Inspections Scheme (SBBIS).

• Assisting with claims against the Owners Corporation brought by lot owners in relation to allegations of breach of the duty to repair and maintain common property.

• Review of contracts and tenders for common property repairs.

Strata dispute resolution

• Representation in NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT) and court proceedings and mediation.

• Resolving disputes about repairs, water ingress, mould and damage responsibility.

• Levy recovery, enforcing and challenging contracts with building managers, caretakers and service providers.

• Handling noise, nuisance, driveway, easement and neighbour disputes.

We are also experienced in providing assistance and advice to building managers, Building Management Committees, Neighbourhood Associations and Community Associations.

Lot Owners

We provide clear and practical guidance to individual owners facing building or strata issues, including:

• Damage caused by defects or other issues in common property.

• By-law drafting, renovation approvals and disputes arising from by-law approvals and strata committee decisions.

• Common property boundaries and exclusive-use areas.

• Challenging unreasonable or invalid by-laws.

• Levy and contribution disputes.

• Claims relating to damage caused by neighbouring lots or by the Owners Corporation.

Developers, builders & consultants

We support developers and builders throughout the planning, construction, completion and handover stages. Our services include:

• Preparing and reviewing documents required for initial registration of plan of subdivision.

• Responding to defect claims under relevant NSW legislation including the Home Building Act 1989 (NSW) and the Design and Building Practitioners Act 2020 (NSW).

• Defending allegations of defects, delays, water ingress, damage and non-compliance.

• Drafting and negotiating building management and caretaker agreements.

• Reviewing operational contracts for facilities and building services.

• Representation in relation to any prosecution by the Building Commission under the Residential Apartment Buildings (Compliance and Enforcement Powers) Act 2020.

Why choose us

• Specialist knowledge: Dedicated strata lawyers with deep, practical experience.

• Trusted experience: A proven track record assisting clients with complex strata matters.

• Practical solutions: Clear, practical guidance tailored to client needs.

• Broader property and construction expertise: Our strata team works closely with our property and building & construction lawyers, giving clients seamless support on related issues such as defects, contracts, development matters and complex mixed‑use schemes.

Speak with a specialist strata lawyer

Whether you’re a lot owner, part of a strata committee or building management committee, or a developer, we can help you understand your rights and responsibilities under NSW strata law. Contact our strata team today for expert advice and tailored solutions.