PROPERTY NEWS & UPDATES / STRATA LIVING Strata committee members now have mandatory training responsibilities. Here's what the rules mean, who needs to complete the training and why missing the deadline matters. Strata committee members play an important role in managing residential buildings, making decisions about maintenance, finances and the day-to-day operation of their strata scheme. To help committee members better understand these responsibilities, NSW has introduced mandatory training requirements. The good news is that the introductory course is free, online and takes approximately one hour to complete. THE IMPORTANT PART Strata committee members who are required to complete training have three months from their appointment to do so, or they automatically cease to be committee members. 01 / UNDERSTANDING THE CHANGES NSW strata committee members appointed or reappointed from 1 October 2026 are generally required to complete training delivered by NSW Fair Trading within three months of their appointment. The training is designed to give committee members a better understanding of their legal responsibilities, decision-making processes and the practical requirements of managing a strata scheme. Whether you're joining a committee for the first time or returning for another term, understanding your obligations is an important part of serving your strata community. TRAINING AT A GLANCE FREE NSW Government training ~1 HOUR Self-paced online course 3 MONTHS Deadline from appointment 02 / WHAT THE COURSE COVERS The introductory course, Introduction to Strata Committee Rights and Responsibilities, focuses on the practical knowledge committee members need to help manage their strata schemes effectively. ✓ Legal duties and responsibilities The aim is to give committee members the confidence and knowledge to make informed decisions on behalf of their owners corporation. 03 / WHO NEEDS TO COMPLETE IT Yes, but the timing depends on when you were appointed. If you were appointed before the new requirements commenced, you generally don't need to complete the training until you're next appointed or reappointed to the committee. Committee members appointed or reappointed after the commencement of the requirements must complete the relevant training within three months, unless an exemption applies. Good to know: Once you've completed the introductory course, you won't need to repeat that same course in future years. NSW Fair Trading will provide information about additional annual training requirements. 04 / THE DEADLINE This is the part committee members need to take seriously. If you're required to complete training and fail to do so within three months of your appointment, you automatically cease to be a member of the strata committee. IMPORTANT This is an automatic consequence under NSW strata law. It doesn't require a vote by the committee to remove the member. The strata committee may then need to arrange a replacement member and update its records. A person who has missed the deadline should complete the required training before being considered for reappointment. 05 / EXEMPTIONS Yes. The mandatory training requirements don't apply to every committee member. ✓ Committee members in two-lot strata schemes If you believe an exemption applies to you, NSW Fair Trading recommends providing supporting evidence to your committee secretary. 06 / SMALLER STRATA SCHEMES There's another important change for owners in smaller strata developments. Two-lot strata schemes, which often include duplex properties, are no longer required to complete the annual strata reporting that applies to larger schemes. Why does this matter? The exemption reduces administrative requirements for smaller schemes, which are generally less complex to manage than large apartment developments. The exemption relates to annual Strata Hub reporting. It doesn't remove other applicable responsibilities of the owners corporation. PRACTICAL NEXT STEPS Access the official training information and register for Strata Hub if required. Work through the free, self-paced introductory training, which takes approximately one hour. Keep your Certificate of Completion and provide a copy to your committee secretary as recommended by NSW Fair Trading. Check for updates about any additional training required when you're appointed in future years. 07 / CENTRAL COAST PROPERTY OWNERS Strata living is an important part of the Central Coast property market, from apartments and townhouses to villas and duplex developments. Decisions made by a strata committee can influence maintenance standards, building presentation, shared facilities and the financial management of a property. Having informed committee members can support better planning, clearer communication and more confident decisions for everyone living in or investing in the scheme. YOUR QUICK CHECKLIST □ Confirm when you were appointed or reappointed. THE TAKEAWAY The NSW strata committee training requirements are designed to help committee members better understand their responsibilities and make informed decisions. If you're already serving on a committee or considering joining one, knowing the requirements and completing the necessary training can help you contribute with confidence. OFFICIAL INFORMATION NSW Government: Strata committee training requirements NSW Government: Strata annual reporting BRAND PROPERTY Whether you're considering an apartment, townhouse, villa or duplex on the Central Coast, understanding strata responsibilities is an important part of making informed property decisions. Our team is here to help you navigate your next move. This article provides general information only and is not legal or strata management advice. Requirements and exemptions depend on individual circumstances and may change. Refer to NSW Fair Trading or a qualified strata professional for current guidance.NSW Strata Committee Rules: New Training Requirements Explained
What Are the New Strata Committee Training Requirements?
What Committee Members Need to Know
What Will You Learn During the Training?
✓ How strata committee decisions are made
✓ Meetings and record keeping
✓ Repairs and common property maintenance
✓ Financial management and budgets
✓ Managing disputes and understanding by-lawsDoes the Training Apply to Existing Committee Members?
What Happens If You Don't Complete the Training?
Are Any Committee Members Exempt?
Exemptions Include
✓ NSW strata managing agents
✓ Members of the Australian College of Strata Lawyers
✓ Members filling a casual vacancy for less than three monthsGood News for Duplexes and Two-Lot Strata Schemes
How to Complete Your Strata Committee Training
01. Visit the NSW Government Strata Hub
02. Complete the Online Course
03. Save Your Certificate
04. Keep Track of Future Requirements
Why These Changes Matter for Central Coast Strata Owners
What Should Strata Committee Members Do Now?
□ Check whether a training exemption applies.
□ Calculate your three-month training deadline.
□ Complete the free NSW Fair Trading course.
□ Save your Certificate of Completion.
□ Share your certificate with your committee secretary.
□ Check future annual training requirements.Better Informed Committees. Better Managed Strata Properties.
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