Yep, my experience is that specific approval is needed. I’ve replaced carpet with floating floors in two apartments (in separate Strata Plans) this year – both Strata Committees considered these as ‘minor renovations’ requiring approval. One committee approved without problem (just requested technical information regarding acoustics of laminate panels and underlay); the other committee at the outset said there was “no guarantee that request to install floating floors would be approved” despite technical information confirming superior acoustics of products to be used.
That being said, I’ve also heard that floating floors (as opposed to hardwood timber flooring) do not affect common property and therefore installation is considered ‘cosmetic’ (ie doesn’t need approval).
Would be great to have some clarification around this.