How Body Corporate Rules Affect Your Renovation Plans in Melbourne

Living in a unit or apartment complex brings a mix of perks and red tape. You’ve got shared costs, security and less maintenance. But when it comes time to renovate, it’s not just your decision. If you’re in a strata property, body corporate in Melbourne plays a key role in what you can and can’t do.

These rules might seem like a headache, but they’re there to protect property value, peace and safety. Let’s break it down so you don’t end up wasting time or money—or worse, in legal trouble.

1. What Body Corporate Rules Are and Why They Matter

When you buy into a strata scheme, you agree to share ownership of common areas like hallways, gardens or roofs. You also agree to follow the rules set by the body corporate (also known as owners corporation in Victoria).

These rules, or by-laws, cover everything from noise to renovations. They exist to keep things running smoothly. Renovations can impact the building’s structure, other residents or insurance, so the body corporate must review them before work begins.

Depending on the type of work, you may need written approval. Cosmetic changes, like painting walls, might not need approval. Structural changes almost always do. If you ignore this process, the body corporate can make you reverse the work—at your cost.

For a deeper dive into the rules, check out what Melbourne body corporate laws mean for renovations.

2. When You Need Approval (And When You Don’t)

You don’t need approval for simple stuff inside your unit like:

• Repainting walls
• Replacing carpet
• Changing curtains 

But once you’re moving walls, changing plumbing or anything that affects common property—like balconies, ceilings or external walls—you need a formal go-ahead.

Here’s a handy breakdown:

Approval required for:

• Replacing tiles that affect waterproofing
• Kitchen or bathroom remodels that shift plumbing
• Installing air conditioners, awnings or security doors
• Changing floors from carpet to timber (due to noise) 

No approval needed for:

• Changing internal fittings
• Installing removable shelves or cupboards
• Updating kitchen appliances (without plumbing changes) 

Not sure what applies? Always check. Better safe than sorry.

Also, be aware of the common body corporate challenges during renovations, especially in older complexes or tightly managed schemes.

3. The Approval Process (Step-by-Step)

Most strata schemes have a formal renovation request process. Here’s what that usually looks like:

1. Submit a detailed request: Include what work you’ll do, who’s doing it, timelines and drawings
2. Body corporate review: They’ll check if the work affects common property, other units or compliance
3. Committee vote: Simple works may only need committee approval. Bigger jobs might go to a general meeting
4. Formal agreement: You may need to sign a by-law or deed outlining your responsibilities (maintenance, costs, insurance)
5. Approval granted: Then you can start—usually with conditions 

Skip any step and you could face fines or forced removal of changes. Not to mention souring your relationship with neighbours.

If things get tense, you may need help resolving body corporate conflicts during renovations.

4. Noise, Mess and Time Limits

Renovations are messy. They’re loud. And in a shared building, that matters.

Most body corporates set strict rules around:

• Work hours: Usually weekdays only, 8am to 5pm
• Noise limits: No jackhammers at 7am, thanks
• Common area use: Workers can’t block lifts or leave mess in hallways
• Dust control: Especially with sanding or grinding 

You’ll often need to notify neighbours in writing before starting. Give them at least a week’s heads-up. Respect goes a long way in keeping complaints off your back.

Contractors must stick to access routes and clean up after themselves. If not, you could be fined or face delays.

5. Impact on Insurance and Liability

When you change parts of the unit, especially plumbing, electrical or load-bearing walls, it might affect the building’s insurance.

Body corporate insurance often covers common areas and structural elements. If your renovation causes damage (like water leaks or fire), you could be liable for repairs—even if it’s years later.

Before starting, check:

• If your builder has public liability insurance
• If your changes void any part of the body corporate’s policy
• If you need to upgrade your own contents insurance 

Sometimes, a special by-law will make you responsible for ongoing maintenance or damage linked to your renovation.

6. Case Study: Timber Floor Drama in Fitzroy

Lucy bought a top-floor apartment in Fitzroy. She hated the carpet and installed timber floors. No one told her she needed approval.

A month later, downstairs neighbours complained about noise. The body corporate stepped in. Turns out timber floors caused footstep echoes and violated acoustic rules in the building’s by-laws.

She was forced to rip up the new floors, reinstall carpet and pay for acoustic tests. The whole thing cost her over $8,000—and plenty of stress.

The takeaway? Even innocent changes can backfire if you skip the steps.

7. Disputes, Mediation and Legal Trouble

Not every application goes smoothly. Sometimes committees reject your request. Or maybe neighbours complain during works.

You’ve got options:

• Speak directly to the committee or concerned residents
• Request mediation through Consumer Affairs Victoria
• Apply to VCAT (Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal) for a ruling 

Keep records of all communication. Be clear, polite and transparent.

If a dispute escalates, VCAT can issue binding decisions. But that takes time and legal fees. It’s best to resolve issues early if possible.

8. Future Trends: Smarter, Greener Renovations

Melbourne’s strata market is evolving. Sustainability is the buzzword.

Many body corporates now support:

• Solar panels
• EV charging stations
• Energy-efficient windows
• Rainwater systems 

These upgrades help reduce costs long-term. But they still require approval because they often involve common property or structural changes.

There’s also a trend toward digital submission portals for renovation requests. This speeds up approvals and reduces confusion.

Looking ahead, expect stricter noise and environmental rules. Plus, body corporates might soon offer renovation guidelines upfront—cutting red tape for everyone.

FAQs

1) What happens if I renovate without approval from the body corporate?
Renovating without approval can lead to serious issues. If the renovation affects common property or breaks by-laws, the body corporate can demand you undo the work. That might mean removing flooring, fittings or structural changes. You could also be fined. In some cases, legal action might follow.

It’s not just about rules for the sake of rules. These approvals protect the building’s structure, safety and peace for everyone. Even if the work seems harmless, always double-check. It’s faster and cheaper than facing consequences later.

2) How long does it take to get renovation approval?
Approval time depends on the complexity of your request. Simple changes like installing new cabinetry might be approved by the committee in a week or two. Bigger changes—like plumbing or electrical work—could require a general meeting, which might only happen quarterly. That means a delay of weeks or even months.

If your body corporate is efficient and your application is detailed, things move quicker. Always provide full information upfront—floor plans, materials, contractor details and insurance documents. That reduces back-and-forth and helps speed up the decision.

3) Can the body corporate stop me from renovating entirely?
Yes, in some cases. If the proposed renovation is unsafe, affects other units, breaches by-laws or damages common property, the committee can reject it. However, they need valid reasons. They can’t say no just because they don’t like the idea.

If you believe the rejection is unfair, you can challenge it through mediation or at VCAT. Keep in mind though, body corporates hold strong legal ground when the work affects shared spaces or building integrity. Your best bet is to adjust the plan, address concerns and resubmit.

4) Do I need a by-law for every renovation?
Not always. Minor works like changing paint or fixtures inside your lot usually don’t need a by-law. But once you impact common property—walls, ceilings, waterproofing—you may need to draft and register a special by-law.

This by-law outlines your rights, responsibilities and long-term maintenance. It protects you and the body corporate. You’ll often need legal help to prepare and register it with Land Use Victoria. It’s an added step, but worth it for peace of mind.

5) What should be in my renovation application to the body corporate?
A good renovation request includes:

• A clear scope of work
• Contractor licences and insurance
• Plans or drawings
• Expected start and end dates
• Noise and waste management plans
• Impact on common property 

The more detail you provide, the easier it is for the committee to approve it. Vague or rushed applications often cause delays. If in doubt, ask your strata manager what’s needed.

Your Renovation Journey Starts with the Right Support

Renovating in a strata complex doesn’t have to be a nightmare. Yes, there are hoops to jump through. But they exist for good reasons—safety, fairness and protecting property values.

Follow the rules, talk to your committee and be upfront with your plans. Use licensed, insured contractors. Be courteous to neighbours. It’s not about ticking boxes—it’s about being part of a shared community.

For expert help and guidance with strata renovations, visit the trusted team at Keystone Strata Group and get your plans on the right track today.

To learn more, please call us today on (03) 9007 2572 or leave an enquiry.