Understanding Strata Maintenance: Types & Responsibilities

Strata living offers many benefits, from shared facilities to managed upkeep. But to maintain quality of life and protect property values, strata maintenance must be managed carefully.

So, what is strata maintenance, exactly?

In simple terms, strata maintenance refers to the upkeep, repairs, and preventative care of common property within a strata scheme. This includes shared areas like building exteriors, foyers, driveways, lifts, gardens, swimming pools, gymnasiums, and more — all of which are essential for the comfort and safety of residents.

For both owners and residents, understanding the types of strata maintenance, who is responsible, and how to manage it effectively is key to creating a well-maintained, harmonious community.

Types of Strata Maintenance

Strata maintenance can be broken into several key categories — each with its own triggers, processes, and importance. Knowing the types of strata maintenance helps strata committees prioritise tasks and allocate resources more effectively.

Routine Maintenance

Routine maintenance refers to the regular, scheduled tasks that keep a strata property in good working order. These tasks are often outlined in annual budgets and maintenance plans.

Common examples include:

• Cleaning of shared foyers and stairwells
• Lawn mowing and garden upkeep
• Servicing of lifts, fire systems, and lighting
• Waste management and bin room maintenance

Routine upkeep is the foundation of good strata maintenance, ensuring that common property remains functional, attractive, and compliant with safety standards.

Preventative Maintenance

Preventative maintenance involves identifying potential issues before they become major problems — reducing long-term costs and disruptions.

This includes:

• Regular building inspections
• Servicing HVAC or water systems
• Roof inspections and gutter cleaning
• Repainting and sealing surfaces to prevent deterioration

Incorporating preventative works into your strata management plan extends the lifespan of building assets and supports better budgeting. It’s a key part of proactive strata committee responsibilities.

Emergency Maintenance

Emergency maintenance refers to urgent works required to address immediate safety risks or prevent further damage.

This could include:

• Burst pipes
• Electrical failures
• Roof leaks
• Storm or fire damage

Quick action in emergencies is critical. Having reliable contractors on call and clear communication protocols helps strata schemes respond efficiently when things go wrong.

Who Is Responsible for Strata Maintenance?

A common question from owners and tenants alike is who handles what — especially when an issue arises. While strata maintenance is a shared responsibility, roles are clearly defined.

Strata Committee vs. Individual Owners

The strata committee is responsible for maintaining and repairing common property — this includes shared walls, roofs, driveways, foyers, pipes, and infrastructure that service more than one lot.

Individual lot owners, on the other hand, are responsible for maintaining their own apartment’s interior, including:

• Internal paintwork
• Appliances and fixtures they’ve installed
• Flooring within their apartment
• Damage that doesn’t affect common property

Clear definitions between common and private property are essential to avoid disputes — and to uphold the strata committee’s responsibilities effectively.

Role of Strata Managers

Professional strata management services like those offered by us here Netstrata support strata committees by overseeing maintenance tasks and ensuring compliance with legislation.

This can include:

• Coordinating trades and contractors
• Responding to repair requests
• Managing preventative maintenance schedules
• Assisting with emergency repairs
• Advising on financial planning for capital works

A good strata manager streamlines the maintenance process, supports the committee, and ensures that tasks are carried out within legal and budgetary frameworks.

Understanding the Strata Plan & By-Laws

To determine exactly who is responsible for maintaining what, owners and committees should consult:

• The registered strata plan (defining property boundaries)
• The scheme’s by-laws (outlining rules for maintenance and behaviour)

For example, by-laws may specify that lot owners are responsible for maintaining balcony tiles, or that the committee must organise annual servicing for shared lifts. Every scheme is different, so referring to these documents ensures clarity — and compliance.

Best Practices for Effective Strata Maintenance

Managing strata maintenance isn’t just about reacting to problems. The best-run schemes take a planned, proactive approach.

Here are some best practices to keep your property in top shape:

• Establish a maintenance schedule – Include routine and preventative tasks in the annual budget
• Maintain detailed records – Track repairs, inspections, and contractor invoices
• Conduct regular inspections – Identify issues early and reduce long-term costs
• Engage trusted professionals – Vet all tradespeople and service providers
• Communicate clearly – Keep owners informed of upcoming works and their responsibilities
• Review and update by-laws – Ensure they reflect current maintenance obligations

These practices support smoother operations, help meet the strata committee’s responsibilities, and promote long-term financial health for the scheme.

If you’re looking to implement a more structured approach to maintenance, a professional strata management team can guide you every step of the way.