The 30th of June 2022 marked the second phase of the NSW Strata Hub online portal as managed by NSW Fair Trading. This phase requires strata schemes to undertake additional reporting obligations as set out in the Strata Schemes Management Amendment (Information) Regulation 2021 (Information Regulation).
The Strata Hub is intended to be a central access point that will make it easier for buyers and owners in residential strata buildings to get the information they need.
Background
The initial phase of the Strata Hub began in July of 2021 with the introduction of the Strata Building Bond and Inspections Scheme (SBBIS), which is overseen by Fair Trading NSW. The SBBIS requires developers of new apartment complexes built since 2018 lodge a bond equivalent to 2% of the entire construction cost to rectify defective building work within 2 years of a project’s completion.
Purpose
The Strata Hub will allow NSW Fair Trading to better monitor the state’s 83,000+ strata buildings’ ongoing maintenance and defect management to ensure statutory duties are being upheld and the safety and amenity strata buildings are preserved. The aim is that owners and buyers within NSW strata schemes become aware that maintenance of a scheme is not being neglected.
This second phase of the Strata Hub will require strata schemes to provide key information about their scheme to Fair Trading, who will provide this information on a publicly accessible portal. By the end of 2022, owners corporations will need to upload additional reporting information and provide contact details of the chairperson, secretary, strata manager (if retained) and building manager (if any). As required under the Information Regulation, there is a requirement to also set out some key details about their scheme, including the number of storeys, how the building is used, insurance replacement value, financial information, fire safety, NABERS ratings (if available) and the final occupation certificate date (if available).
Fees
To help cover the cost of administration and enforcement of the scheme by providing a payment of a lodgement fee of $3 per lot with their annual report (this fee also includes parking and other utility lots if they are deemed to be separate lots for the purpose of levy contributions).
Privacy concerns
In June of 2022, the NSW Department of Customer Service for NSW Fair Trading issued advice on the issue of privacy concerns. It confirmed that now only the nominated email address for the roles of the secretary and chairperson will be provided to owners corporation members, and residents in the scheme. Phone numbers of these persons must still be reported but will not be disclosed. Before being granted access to the Strata Hub, individuals requesting the information for their scheme must complete a proof of identity check and a privacy declaration.
Next steps
Strata Choice is presently developing its implementation plan to assist owners corporations in meeting their obligations. We will reach out to you as soon as we receive guidance on the final requirements from the NSW Government regarding the data provision process and payment methods.