When it comes to electric vehicle charging there’s a sea change coming in NSW strata schemes. For years, some apartment owners with electric vehicles needing EV charging facilities, have faced a frustrating roadblock with Strata Committees rejecting charger installations, often because it all seemed too complex.

But, as Garth Brown of Brown and Brown conveyancers explained in a recent Linked-in post, upcoming amendments to the Strata Schemes Management Act (specifically the Sustainability Infrastructure amendments) have completely shifted the conversation.

These changes are not yet law, but they will be soon and then it will no longer be a question of if you can install an EV charger, but when and how.

Breaking the Deadlock

The burden of proof has reversed. Strata Committees can no longer issue a blanket no.

To reject a request, they must prove a valid, documented reason – typically limited to structural safety risks or an unmitigable lack of electrical capacity.

Key Takeaways for Strata Committees and Lot Owners

• The Owner Foots the Bill – While approval is easier to secure, the financial responsibility rests entirely with you. As the owner, you pay for the hardware, installation, insurance, and any necessary common property upgrades.

• Smart Metering is Mandatory – No one wants to fund their neighbor’s EV charge.  New installations must feature independent tracking to bill electricity usage directly to each owner’s specific lot.

• Lower Voting Hurdles – Because EV charging is classified as sustainability infrastructure, passing the required by-laws requires a lower voting threshold, speeding up approvals.

• Core Infrastructure Limits – Strata buildings must carefully manage electrical capacity. Many older buildings lack the infrastructure to support multiple 32-amp EV chargers.

If the building’s maximum electrical demand is reached, an expensive upgrade to the grid transformer or cable feeders by the local DNSP (Distribution Network Service Provider) may be required. Committees must weigh the building’s total electrical load before granting approvals.

• Insurance Complexities – Standard strata policies usually only cover common property assets. A private wallbox in your car space will likely require separate, dedicated insurance.

• Fire Risks & Management – While road-registered EV fires are statistically very rare, lithium-ion blazes require strict management protocols, risk management strategies, and dedicated insurance considerations that Strata Committees must take into account.

Important Note on Fire Risks: Fire authorities report that the vast majority of building battery fires are caused by e-bikes and e-scooters, PMDs (Personal Mobility Devices), not EV cars. Charging or parking these smaller PMDs on common property may require separate committee permission.

GARTH BROWN COMMENTS

We are seeing a clear divide emerge in market values.

Units that are ‘EV-ready’ or feature pre-approved, legally robust by-laws are attracting a distinct premium.

For Buyers: Don’t just look at the floor plan – does the car space have an existing EV charger and/or EV charging ready?Inspect the switchboard and review the strata minutes for capacity limits and EV policies. If the building’s electrical capacity is already maxed out, you could face expensive post-settlement levies to upgrade the grid infrastructure.

For Sellers: Having a registered by-law that allows for charging in your designated car space and / or an existing EV charger installed is a powerful selling point that sets your property apart in a crowded market.

For Committees: If your building hasn’t adopted a comprehensive EV charging and PMD policy, act now. Proactive policy management is far cheaper than defending a tribunal dispute later.

Need Expert Guidance: Whether you are upgrading your space, reviewing a contract of sale, or drafting a specific strata by-law, ensuring compliance is crucial for a smooth transaction, our firm is contract ready for your strata conveyance including current EV charging options.

Garth Brown is a director of Brown and Brown conveyancers and they can be contacted HERE.