These Acts represent over 10 years of industry and community consultation by government, for significant reforms to strata and survey-strata titles and to introduce the new form of community title.

When will the legislation come into effect?

At an update held on 19 November 2018, Landgate announced its timetable for the next steps. There is still some significant work to be done by government before either Act can become operational.

Most significantly for industry, this includes drafting and consulting on the regulations for both Acts; and Landgate and the Western Australian Planning Commission undertaking systems changes and industry training so there is a smooth introduction of the legislative changes into those agencies’ and the property industry’s operations.

The proposed timetable is as follows:

Strata Titles Act amendments

• Regulations - June 2019
• Operational - Q3 2019

Community Titles Act

• Regulations - December 2019
• Operational - Q1 2020

MinterEllison is planning on holding an information session for clients early in 2019, so watch out for an invitation in the new year.
In the meantime, to recap the major components of the legislative reforms relate to:

• New forms of leasehold strata and community titles
• Staged subdivisions
• Management of strata schemes
• Buyer information and protection
• Termination of strata schemes
• Resolving strata disputes