Moving In and Out of Strata Buildings – Articles, By-Laws and Considerations

The process of moving home is both stressful and challenging — the more you have, the more overwhelming it can feel while planning for the move.

The difficulty of moving in or out is compounded when it comes to strata buildings. Transporting your possessions, furniture, and appliances can cause a great deal of disturbance and inconvenience to neighbours, not to mention the risk of potential damage to common property.

So, how can you ensure a smooth moving process into or out of a strata property? It starts with a clear understanding of the articles or by-laws of the strata building.

Strata Regulations For Apartment Moving

It is good practice for moving in and out of a strata building in Australia to provide at least 14 days of notice to the body corporate. The sooner notice is provided, the more time the strata management will have time to plan and prepare for the moving activity.

Each strata building also has its own set of articles or by-laws (regulations) governing what can and can’t be done on the property, especially in common areas that are shared by all residents. These by-laws may include what actions should be taken by residents who are moving in and out of the property.

It is essential to understand these articles or by-laws and adhere to them to avoid any costly or time-consuming disputes. Common articles or by-laws that apply to moving in or out of strata building include:

• Moving activity is usually enforced between the hours of 9 am to 5 pm. Additionally, moving may be prohibited on weekends or on public holidays.
• Strata management may require moving to be carried out following certain routes to avoid blocking common areas.
• Moving services or the resident must have public liability insurance to cover any potential damage resulting from moving activity.
• Residents are responsible for clearing up any mess from the move. Residents moving out of the property must ensure that the unit is left in a clean and acceptable state, and will be liable for any damage to the property that was not accounted for upon the initial move-in.
• Items cannot be stored in common areas such as stairways, corridors, or lift lobbies as these are a safety hazard, especially in the event of an emergency.

Considerations for Moving Into or Out of a Strata Property

1. Make a list of priority items

With so much to account for during the move, make a list of everything you need to move. Make note of large or heavy items that will be more difficult to transport, such as a couch, washing machine or a refrigerator. These items will require access to a lift in the strata and take up a lot of space in common areas. Many strata buildings have articles or by-laws against blocking common areas and pathways, so knowing what you need to move can be helpful in finding the right moving solution.

Take measurements of bulky items to ensure that they can fit into doorways or into lifts — you don’t want to be stuck with the option of dismantling furniture on moving day.

2. Request for the use of a building lift

If you require the use of the lift to transport your items, approach the strata management about your request. This allows the management to inspect the lift for any existing damage so that it is not attributed to your moving activity later on, saving you from repair disputes and the cost involved.

In most cases, the strata management will assist you with the move by reserving the use of a single lift for your moving needs, or even equipping the lift with protective padding to prevent accidental damage.

3. Check for height limitations or parking areas for moving vehicles

If you are utilising a moving service or planning on using a moving van, enquire with strata management about the best area for parking the vehicles. This will help to avoid any traffic blockages in the carpark and provide easier access for loading or unloading.

4. Check for planned building maintenance

Notifying the strata management of the move in advance will allow them to inform you of any planned works on the property that may clash with your moving schedule. In some cases, they may ask you to reschedule your move or shift the planned work to another time to accommodate.

5. Notify neighbours of the move

Avoid negative encounters with neighbouring residents by informing them of the move. While not mandatory, this simple act of courtesy can go a long way in establishing an amicable relationship with your future neighbours.