NSW has released a strata living guide for residents that includes details of law changes taking effect in February to strengthen disclosure obligations.

The guide also provides practical information on running strata meetings, emergency repairs, approval for renovations, resolving disputes, and managing relations with the owners’ corporation and strata manager.

NSW Fair Trading is separately releasing information on options available for owners having difficulty paying levies on time, without compromising the financial viability of strata schemes.

The government says legislation to be introduced to parliament this week would make strata management practices around levies clearer, such as improving notice information and fairer conditions for payment plans.

NSW recently passed legislation that requires clear disclosure of strata insurance fees and commissions, boosts NSW Fair Trading regulatory powers and increases penalties.

The government continues to consult on further reforms.

An ABC report last week highlighted strata management contract clauses, including around commission levels, that have been criticised for disadvantaging consumers.

Australian Consumers Insurance Lobby chairman Tyrone Shandiman says the clauses are often buried in lengthy agreements and limit the owners’ corporation’s ability to seek competitive insurance options.

“This is particularly problematic when these contracts are presented as ‘industry standard’, leading consumers to assume they are inherently fair,” he told insuranceNEWS.com.au. “Furthermore, strata management contracts typically span three years, while insurance contracts are renewed annually.”