Why a House Rules document is helpful for a well-run strata scheme

leigh_oliver
Dec 22, 2025
2 min read

Living in a strata scheme means sharing space, facilities, and responsibilities with others. While this can be rewarding, it can also create misunderstandings if expectations aren’t clear. That’s where a well-written house rules document becomes invaluable.

House rules aren’t about control or unnecessary restrictions; they’re about clarity, fairness, and helping everyone live harmoniously.

Setting Clear Expectations from the Start

One of the biggest challenges in strata living is differing assumptions about what is “reasonable” behaviour. House rules remove that ambiguity by clearly setting out what is and isn’t permitted within the scheme.

For residents moving in for the first time, house rules provide immediate guidance on everyday matters such as noise, parking, balcony use, pets, waste disposal, and use of common property.

Supporting Consistent and Fair Enforcement

Without documentation, enforcement can feel ad-hoc or personal. A house rules document gives the Council of Owners and the strata manager a clear framework to rely on when addressing issues.

Reducing Conflict Between Residents

Many disputes in strata schemes arise not from major issues, but from small, repeated frustrations, noise at certain times, misuse of visitor parking, water dripping from balconies, or items left on common property.

House rules act as a neutral third party. Instead of a resident having to personally confront a neighbour, concerns can be referred back to the agreed rules of the scheme.

Protecting the Building and Common Property

House rules are an effective way to protect the physical assets of the strata scheme.

Clear guidance on things like lift protection, approved contractors, and working hours also helps ensure compliance.

Helping Strata Managers Do Their Job Effectively

Well-structured house rules reduce the time spent mediating preventable disputes. The information is communicated in a concise, easy-to-read format, which is helpful to tenants and new owners and sets expectations from the start.

A Living Document That Can Evolve

House rules are not static. As a scheme grows and changes, house rules can and should be reviewed. An example of some later additions I have seen is in relation to (NOT) charging e-ridables within lots, due to the fire risk.

In Summary

A house rules document is one of the simplest and most effective tools a strata scheme can have. It promotes clarity, reduces conflict, supports fair decision-making, and protects both relationships and property.

When done well, house rules don’t restrict community living, they support it.

Let’s begin

Sometimes it’s easier to develop a document by starting with an example. We’ve provided a template below, available in both Word (for easy editing) and PDF format. Simply delete, add to, or amend any sections to suit the specific needs of your scheme.

Once finalised, we will upload the document to the scheme’s portal so it is easily accessible to all residents.