More apartment owners than ever before are saving valuable time and money by using the NSW Strata and Property Taskforce's free mediation service to resolve their problems faster.
Backed by an $8.4 million investment, the Minns Labor Government established the Taskforce to crack down on misconduct, lift professional standards and support better decision making for owners.
New data shows applications to the free mediation service have increased 30 per cent from 2,760 to 3,591 during the last financial year, showing apartment owners are empowered to seek support from the Taskforce and ensure their rights are protected.
The Taskforce is also delivering real outcomes to make apartment living easier, with 76 per cent of all matters now completely resolved.
Apartment owners are backing the mediation service with applicant satisfaction rising to around 70 per cent between April and June 2026, while dissatisfaction fell from 21 per cent to a record low of 15 per cent.
Repairs and maintenance issues remain the largest source of strata disputes, with applications relating to these matters increasing by 44 per cent across the past year. These matters now account for around 40 per cent of all strata mediation applications.
From leaking roofs and building defects to disagreements about responsibility for common property, access to shared facilities and the timing of repairs, these issues are at the forefront of the Taskforce's focus because they can have a significant impact on residents' homes, finances and quality of life.
The free mediation service is complemented by new laws implemented by the Minns Labor Government that allow NSW Fair Trading to issue compliance notices and enter enforceable undertakings with owners corporations that do not meet their duties to maintain and repair common property. The new powers ensure serious maintenance issues and defects can be fixed without expensive and time-consuming litigation through the courts or tribunal.
The Government currently has its fourth tranche of legislation before NSW Parliament to make apartment living fairer. These results are part of a broader legislative agenda that has:
- Increased penalties for strata managing agents who don't disclose perceived or potential conflicts of interest,
- Required payment plans to be offered to owners in financial hardship,
- Protected owners from bill shock by requiring developers to have initial levy estimates in new strata buildings independently certified,
- Banned strata managing agents from taking a commission on insurance products when they don't play a role in finding the best deal for owners,
- Made it easier to do minor renovations,
- Removed barriers to the uptake of sustainability measures such as solar panels and electric vehicle charging by prohibiting bylaws that block the infrastructure due to external appearance.
Apartment owners who are unable to resolve a dispute through discussion or the governance of their owners corporation are encouraged to apply for a mediator to help.
Minister for Better Regulation and Fair Trading Anoulack Chanthivong said:
"Work like this gets to the crux of why the Minns Labor Government established the NSW Strata and Property Taskforce - to lift standards across the strata industry and better support apartment owners.
"And now, the results are in: our free mediation service is delivering quality outcomes for the 1.2 million people who live in apartments across our state.
"I encourage everyone who needs this mediation service to get in contact with NSW Fair Trading and make an application. It's free, easy, and effective."
