Legislation

The laws that govern owners corporations

Owners corporations are created when land is subdivided into lots and common property. Their powers, duties and procedures are set by state legislation, and each owners corporation also has its own rules.

Victoria

• Owners Corporations Act 2006
• Owners Corporations Regulations 2018
• Subdivision Act 1988
• Building Act 1993 and essential safety measures requirements
• Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004

Victoria’s 2021 reforms introduced five tiers of owners corporation based on the number of lots. Tier 1 owners corporations (more than 100 occupiable lots) must appoint a manager, Tier 1 and Tier 2 owners corporations must prepare a maintenance plan, and a manager’s appointment cannot exceed three years.

Queensland

• Body Corporate and Community Management Act 1997
• Associated regulation modules
• Building Units and Group Titles Act 1980 (older schemes)

Privacy

Personal information held by the owners corporation and its manager is handled in line with the Privacy Act 1988 and the Australian Privacy Principles.

Where to get help

• Consumer Affairs Victoria
• VCAT – Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal
• Queensland Commissioner for Body Corporate and Community Management

This information is general in nature and is not legal advice.