Living in a strata-titled property in Australia can come with its own unique set of challenges, especially when it comes to seemingly simple tasks like drying your laundry.
For many residents like Emma, a conscientious apartment dweller who respects the bylaws, the frustration of not being able to hang wet clothes on the balcony due to rules deeming it ‘unsightly’ is a common issue. While it may seem like a small matter, these restrictions can feel limiting, especially when you’re looking for a practical, eco-friendly solution to drying your laundry.
Before you resort to tumble-drying or draping clothes over every available indoor surface, there are ways to approach and potentially challenge these rules, especially with a better understanding of what’s legally allowed and what steps you can take to make your voice heard.
Firstly, it’s important to understand that strata bylaws are in place to maintain the appearance and safety of shared living spaces. However, these rules can sometimes feel overbearing, particularly when they impact your ability to carry out eco-friendly practices like air-drying clothes in the sun. In New South Wales, where Emma resides, more than 1.2 million people live in strata buildings, so she’s certainly not alone in her frustration.
The good news is that there have been updates to the Strata Schemes Management Regulation in NSW. In 2016, the government recognised the need for more practical laundry solutions and included a model bylaw that allows tenants to hang laundry on communal washing lines or on parts of their lot other than over balcony railings, for a ‘reasonable period’. This is a step in the right direction for those looking to reduce their carbon footprint and utility bills.
However, the catch is that your owners’ corporation must have adopted this bylaw for it to be applicable to your situation. To find out what your building’s bylaws say, you should first obtain a copy, which should have been provided to you before signing your lease. If you weren’t given the bylaws, or if you’ve misplaced them, you can request a new copy from your landlord or their agent, or access them through the NSW Land Registry Services.
Once you have the bylaws in hand, check to see if there are any provisions regarding laundry. If the bylaws are silent on the matter or if they’ve adopted the model bylaws, you may have a strong case for hanging laundry on your balcony, provided it’s done within a reasonable timeframe.
If, however, the bylaws explicitly prohibit balcony laundry drying, you might need to prepare for a bit of a campaign. Changing bylaws is possible, but as a renter, you may face an uphill battle. Start by clearly defining your goal: whether it’s to dry clothes on your balcony or to establish a communal drying space. Draft a proposal and gather support from your neighbours, and if possible, engage with any owners living in the building, as they can be influential during owners’ corporation meetings.
The NSW government provides a step-by-step guide to changing bylaws, which can be a valuable resource in this process. Arm yourself with a well-reasoned argument, suggested bylaw amendments, and a petition from fellow tenants. Submit your proposal to your landlord, their agent, and the owners’ corporation, ensuring you follow any formal procedures required.
It’s worth noting that this issue is gaining traction among renters, lawyers, and consumer advocates, forming a coalition that is pushing for change. While you may not succeed immediately, the collective pressure is likely to lead to more flexible and reasonable bylaws in the future.
Strata bylaws are designed to help maintain harmony and appearance in shared living spaces, but they can sometimes feel restrictive when it comes to everyday habits like drying laundry. As communities evolve, finding a fair and practical balance between personal convenience and building standards remains an ongoing conversation.
Have you encountered similar challenges in your building or community? How do you currently manage laundry drying where you live? What changes or ideas would you like to see introduced in your strata bylaws? Share your thoughts in the comments—your experiences could offer helpful insights for others navigating the same situation.
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