Handling urgent repairs as a committee
Short answer
Make the building safe first, then act within the spending authority your committee or manager already has. Record what was done, why it was urgent and what it cost, and report it to owners at the next meeting.
Steps for your committee
- Make the area safe and stop further damage.
- Check the spending limit the committee or manager can approve.
- Engage a licensed, insured contractor.
- Record the decision, invoices and photos, and check whether insurance applies.
Rules in your state
Details such as notice periods and voting thresholds are set by each state's legislation.
| State | Legislation | Disputes go to |
|---|---|---|
| NSW | Strata Schemes Management Act 2015 | NSW Fair Trading mediation, then NCAT |
| VIC | Owners Corporations Act 2006 | Internal grievance process, Consumer Affairs Victoria, then VCAT |
| QLD | Body Corporate and Community Management Act 1997 (and its regulation modules) | Office of the Commissioner for Body Corporate and Community Management |
| WA | Strata Titles Act 1985 | State Administrative Tribunal (SAT) |
| SA | Strata Titles Act 1988 / Community Titles Act 1996 | South Australian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (SACAT) |
| TAS | Strata Titles Act 1998 | Recorder of Titles / Magistrates Court |
| ACT | Unit Titles (Management) Act 2011 | ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal (ACAT) |
| NT | Unit Title Schemes Act 2009 | NT Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NTCAT) |
When to get professional advice
For structural, fire or safety risks, follow the advice of a qualified engineer or authority.
Flex Strata approval limits let a committee member approve urgent work instantly up to an agreed amount.
Next steps
Related guides
- Who pays for repairs: common property or lot owner?
- Getting and comparing contractor quotes
- Making a strata building insurance claim
Last reviewed 2026-10-08. General information only — not legal advice.