The Owners Corporations Act 2006 establishes the legal framework for the management and administration of owners corporations in Victoria. It outlines the rights and responsibilities of lot owners, management processes, financial management, meetings, and dispute resolution, ensuring effective governance and maintenance of shared properties within multi-unit developments. The Owners Corporations Regulations 2018 complement the Owners Corporations Act 2006 by providing detailed rules and guidelines for implementing the Act.
Model Rules (Schedule 2 of the Owners Corporations Regulations 2018) are standard rules that automatically apply to all owners corporations in Victoria unless custom rules are registered. They cover behaviour, use of common property, and maintenance. Registered Rules are tailored rules created by an owners corporation to suit its needs. These can override or supplement the Model Rules if consistent with the law and must be registered with Land Use Victoria to be enforceable.
The SCA (Vic) Contract of Appointment User Guide helps Owners Corporations understand the standard contract between them and their strata managers, outlining key responsibilities, fees, insurance disclosures, and termination terms. It promotes transparency, compliance, and informed decision-making.
The new SCA Code of Ethics, to be adopted by every state and chapter, will come into effect for 2025–2026 membership renewals. It sets clear, practical standards for ethical, transparent, and professional conduct in the strata sector. The Code guides members to act with integrity, fairness, and accountability, ensuring decisions prioritise client interests, uphold public trust, and strengthen the long-term health of strata communities. The SCA Code of Ethics is an integral part of SCA (Vic) membership eligibility criteria and helps ensure that there is a high degree of confidence when dealing with SCA (Vic) members.
SCA is proud to release its Strata Insurance Disclosure Best Practice Guide, introducing key changes to improve how members disclose insurance practices. The guide aims to raise professional standards, build trust with committees and consumers, and eliminate poor practices. It outlines best practices in three steps: Disclose—present eight key financial items clearly; Document—use recommended templates; and Communicate—engage stakeholders effectively and on time.
SCA (Vic) is a membership organisation, not a regulatory or legal body. While you may submit a complaint about a current member for Board consideration, please note that SCA (Vic) cannot assist or mediate Owners Corporation disputes. If further action is needed, we recommend referring to Consumer Affairs Victoria (CAV) for dispute resolution guidance.
This video outlines the Consumer Affairs Victoria (CAV) dispute resolution process. Note that SCA (Vic) is a membership organisation, not a regulatory or legal body. While complaints about current members can be submitted for Board consideration, SCA (Vic) cannot mediate Owners Corporation disputes.
Understand how to manage conflict and complaints in strata communities through clear communication, appropriate processes and boundaries, while supporting the wellbeing of residents, committees and managers.
Understand how clear communication and governance protocols can help owners corporations direct matters to the right people, clarify decision-making authority, manage expectations and maintain respectful, well-documented processes.
Understand common occupational health and safety risks in strata communities, including common property hazards, safety assessments, contractor safety and practical risk management.
Understand the key requirements for managing Essential Safety Measures in strata buildings, including ongoing maintenance, annual reporting, defect rectification and good compliance records.