Supporting Owners Through Financial Hardship: Strata Law Changes from 27 October 2025
With the upcoming changes to New South Wales strata laws commencing on 27 October 2025, there is now a stronger framework in place to assist owners experiencing financial hardship.
These reforms are part of the NSW Government’s broader initiative to improve fairness, transparency and financial management across strata schemes. One of the most significant updates is the introduction of mandatory financial hardship support measures, which strata committees and managers must now actively implement.
What Is Changing?
From 27 October 2025, all strata schemes in New South Wales will be required to:
- Include a Financial Hardship Information Statement with every strata levy notice. This statement outlines the options available to owners who may be struggling to meet their levy obligations.
- Offer reasonable payment plans to owners facing financial hardship, allowing overdue levies to be repaid in instalments over a period of up to 12 months.
- Consider waiving interest charges on overdue levies where appropriate, subject to approval by the owners corporation.
- Engage in early and proactive communication with owners who have missed payments, helping to resolve issues before they escalate.
Understanding Financial Hardship
Financial hardship can affect anyone. Circumstances such as job loss, illness, family disruption or natural disasters may temporarily impact an owner’s ability to pay levies. The new laws recognise this and encourage strata committees to respond with empathy and flexibility.
How Strata Revolution Is Preparing
We are already taking steps to ensure compliance and best practice ahead of the October changes:
- Our levy notices now include the Financial Hardship Information Statement, available in multiple languages.
- We are training our team to identify signs of hardship early and initiate respectful conversations with affected owners.
- We are working closely with committees to develop fair and sustainable payment plans, tailored to individual circumstances.
- We are referring owners to external support services, such as the National Debt Helpline (1800 007 007), for free financial counselling.
At Strata Revolution, we believe that a well-managed strata scheme is one that supports its owners through both good times and difficult ones. These new laws provide a clear and compassionate framework for doing just that.
If you are experiencing financial hardship or have questions about your levy obligations, please do not hesitate to contact our team. We are here to help.
By Martin Rolon, Principal – Strata Revolution