Do You Need Strata Approval for Timber Floors in a Sydney Apartment?

In most Sydney apartment buildings, you will need the owners corporation's approval before replacing carpet or tiles with timber, and that approval often comes with acoustic conditions. The specific requirements are set by your building's by-laws, any approval conditions, and NSW strata law, so they vary from one building to the next. Start with the strata manager, get the requirements in writing, and choose the flooring system to meet them before any work begins.

This guide explains the approval process, how acoustic requirements are usually handled, and what documentation helps an application.

Do you need strata approval for timber floors in a Sydney apartment?

Often, yes. Many strata schemes have by-laws that address changes to floor coverings, particularly from carpet to hard flooring, because of the effect on neighbours below. Even where the by-laws are silent, a floor change may involve common property, such as the slab, which can bring the owners corporation into the decision under NSW strata rules.

Do not assume that approval given to another owner in the building applies to you. Requirements can change when by-laws are updated. If you are unsure how the rules apply to your lot, the strata manager is the first contact, and you may wish to seek independent advice. NSW Fair Trading also publishes general information for strata owners.

Why do buildings set acoustic requirements?

Hard floors transmit impact noise, such as footsteps, dropped objects and furniture movement, into the apartment below more readily than carpet. Many buildings manage this by requiring that a new hard floor meets an acoustic standard or performs at least as well as the original floor. The by-laws or approval conditions decide what applies to your building, and they may refer to a test method, a rating or an acoustic report.

Treat any rating in the by-laws as the requirement for your building. Do not rely on a figure from another building, a product brochure or a general article.

What should you ask the strata manager?

• Is owners corporation approval required to change my floor covering?
• Which by-laws apply, and can I have a current copy?
• Is there an acoustic requirement, and how must it be demonstrated?
• Do you need a product specification, a laboratory test report or an on-site test after installation?
• Is there an application form, and what supporting documents are needed?
• Are there conditions on working hours, lift use, deliveries, waste removal or protection of common areas?
• Is a licensed or insured contractor required, and what evidence is needed?
• How long does approval usually take, and who decides?

Getting the answers in writing protects you and gives your installer a clear brief.

What does acoustic compliance usually involve?

Acoustic performance comes from the whole floor system: the slab, any ceiling below, the underlay, the adhesive or fixing, and the flooring itself. An acoustic underlay chosen to suit the product is often part of the solution. A test report for a product is usually based on a particular system tested in particular conditions, so the installed floor should match that system as closely as practical.

Some buildings require an acoustic consultant's assessment or an on-site test after installation. Ask early, because it affects the product choice and the programme.

Which flooring types suit apartments?

Engineered timber is commonly chosen for apartments, laid floating or glued over an acoustic underlay suited to the product. Our guide to glue-down vs floating engineered timber explains the difference. Some owners also consider laminate or hybrid products with an attached or separate acoustic backing. In every case, the system must meet the building's requirements, not just the product's marketing.

If the existing floor is tiled, read timber flooring over tiles. For a wider overview of apartment projects, see our guide to timber flooring in Sydney apartments and our apartment timber flooring service.

What installer documentation can help your application?

An installer can usually provide information that the owners corporation may ask to see, such as:

• The proposed flooring product and its data sheet.
• The underlay or acoustic system, with the manufacturer's test documentation.
• A description of the installation method and subfloor preparation.
• The proposed work hours and how common areas will be protected.
• Evidence of insurance, if the building requires it.

The installer cannot approve the work or certify compliance on behalf of the building. The approval decision rests with the owners corporation, and any testing requirement is set by the by-laws or approval conditions.

Strata approval checklist

• I have a current copy of the by-laws.
• I know whether approval is needed and how to apply.
• I have the acoustic requirement in writing, including how it is tested.
• I have product and underlay documentation that matches the proposed system.
• I know the building's rules for work hours, lifts and deliveries.
• I have written approval before booking the installation.
• I will keep all approval and product documents with my records.

What to have ready for a quote

• The building's by-laws and any approval conditions.
• Your strata manager's requirements for documentation.
• A floor plan of the rooms to be floored.
• The current floor covering and, if known, what is under it.
• Access details: lifts, parking, loading dock and permitted hours.
• Your suburb and building type. Check our service areas.