A further tranche of NSW strata reforms has taken effect this month, with the latest changes flowing from a 2021 statutory review.

The reforms ban unfair contract terms, give owners’ corporations more say over how schemes are run and introduce a penalty for developers that fail to provide important information.

The changes also aim to cut unnecessary delays to minor renovations by requiring that committees decide a lot owner’s request within three months or the application will default to an approval.

Banned strata management contract terms include requiring an owners’ corporation to pay for the agent’s professional indemnity liabilities, or limiting the liability to a specific amount unless the agreement is covered by an approved professional standards scheme.

Changes that will start later this year address owners’ responsibility to maintain common property and building manager conduct.

Better Regulation and Fair Trading Minister Anoulack Chanthivong says protection for owners in strata communities is a priority.

“The building of strata communities is a significant part of the [state] government’s plan to increase housing in NSW, with more than 50% of Sydney’s population predicted to live in strata by 2040,” he said.