Strata Changes During COVID-19
There are new considerations on strata due to the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic. Especially in these times when lot owners may have had problems of their own, the NSW Government recognizes the importance of such measures - these have been extended until 26 March 2021.
The measures include:
- Restricting the eviction of tenants financially disadvantaged by COVID-19
- Extended periods of notice for other lease termination reasons
- Tenants who have been financially disadvantaged by COVID-19 are allowed to terminate their tenancy agreement where a landlord will not negotiate
- Tenants financially disadvantaged by COVID-19 can terminate a tenancy agreement when it is necessary to avoid financial hardship
For landlords
- Under the circumstances and measures, landlords may attempt to negotiate rent reduction with an impacted tenant in good faith before seeking termination
- Landlords are also ask to negotiate and apply for a termination order if it is fair and reasonable considering the circumstances
For extended notice periods, the Government has decided to increase the timetable for other termination reasons in 90 days. This would apply to the following agreements:
- fixed-term
- periodic
- when a breach of agreement other than for non-payment of rent or charges.
NSW Fair Trading has a tenancy moratorium dispute resolution service that aims to assist landlords and tenants undergoing the tenancy agreement while tenants who have not been affected by COVID-19 are expected to pay their full rent and charges.
Resource: NSW Fair Trading