Owners corporations (formerly body corporate) can make rules for:
- health, safety and security
- use of common property
- use of and works to lots
- design of lots
- management and administration
- behaviour of persons
- vehicles and parking
- committees and sub-committees.
Rules can also cover:
- dispute resolution
- notices and documents
- the common seal.
Health, safety and security
- health, safety and security of owners of lots, occupiers and invitees. For example, rules about contacting the committee or manager if there is an accident, injury or damage to a person or the building
- supervision and control of children near potentially dangerous areas of the common property, such as stairs, the laundry, driveways and swimming pools
- use of security keys
- storage of flammable liquids and other substances and materials
- disposal and storage of trade waste
- disposal of domestic waste and restrictions on leaving rubbish uncovered on the common property.
Use of common property
- care of lawns, garden, flowers, trees or shrubs on the common property
- damage to common property that is part of the building. This should not prevent the installation of a locking or safety device to prevent harm to children, or insect screens, required by building legislation
- moving furniture and other objects through common property, where it affects other users
- design, construction, appearance and landscaping of common property.
Use of and works to lots
- use of lots – rules could govern changes in use. For example, from residential to commercial
- maintenance of security systems, smoke alarms and air conditioners
- restrictions on floor coverings in lots to reduce disturbance by noise
- requirements to maintain and care for lots
- requirements to clean exterior windows and doors of lots.
Design of lots
- design, construction, appearance and landscaping of lot exteriors
- restrictions on blinds and window coverings
- restrictions on colour, painting or finish of lot exteriors
- requiring an owner to obtain prior written approval before making alterations to:
- building structure
- building exteriors
- chimneys, stairs, balconies or other attachments to the building exterior
- doors, windows or skylights on the building exterior or front common property
- fences, railings or similar structures that enclose a patio, balcony or yard.
Management and administration
- use of common property, personal property, equipment, services, and amenities
- use of swimming pools, barbeques or other common property
- fees for use of common property. For example, rules about using a theatre or swimming pool for private function or party
- use of skateboards, rollerblades, bicycles on common property
- care of common property, personal property, equipment, services and amenities, including littering
- notices, notice board and advertising
- drying of laundry on common property, balconies or where visible externally.
Behaviour of persons
- behaviour of owners, occupiers and guests on common property
- behaviour of the owner or the occupier in a lot that would be illegal or cause a nuisance or hazard to any occupier or visitors
- noise and other nuisances, including noise from air conditioners, musical instruments, televisions, sound systems and lawn mowers between 10:00 pm and 9:00 am. Rules about noise should be made in accordance with environment protection laws.
Vehicles and parking
- speed of vehicles and parking
- parking of heavy vehicles on common property without permission from the owners corporation
- use of car parks and carports for purposes other than car parking.
Committees and sub-committees
- establishing a sub-committee, including membership, purpose, activities and reporting requirements
- maintenance and grievance committees’ responsibilities
- communication and complaints procedure.