There are so many regulations and laws around building repairs and apartment renovations that it’s hardly surprising that some owners and committees just barrel ahead and hope for the best.

Strata schemes face serious challenges on a variety of fronts when it comes to any kind of building work, not least ensuring it has been properly approved. With legal obligations constantly evolving, staying informed is essential for anyone managing or living in strata properties.

To help owners and managers navigate these complex issues, our sponsors Bannermans Lawyers are hosting two free webinars this November as part of their 2025 online seminar series.

Repairs and Maintenance

In their first November webinar on Wednesday 19th at 2.30pm, David Bannerman will unpack the key legal issues surrounding repairs and maintenance in strata schemes.

Understanding who is responsible for what, and how to manage risk effectively, can save schemes from costly mistakes and legal disputes. In this session, David will cover liability and duty of care, explaining who’s responsible for different types of repairs, what duties apply to owners corporations and their managers, and how breaches are assessed when things go wrong.

The webinar will also explore rectification and insurance, helping attendees understand how rectification obligations arise after defects or damage are identified, and what insurance policies may respond in different scenarios.

Finally, David will address contractual risk and compliance, showing how properly drafted contracts can manage risk and ensure compliance with the Home Building Act and Design and Building Practitioners Act. This session will give attendees the legal insight and practical tools they need to manage repairs, reduce risk, and protect their scheme’s interests.

RSVP to join online on Wednesday, 19 November at 2.30pm

Exempt and Complying Development

One week later on November 26th, David Bannerman will be joined by Edward Di Michiel from AED Consulting to tackle the rising issue of exempt and complying development in strata schemes, and what owners need to know before planning repairs and renovations.

With councils cracking down on unapproved works, understanding what can and can’t be done without formal approval is more important than ever. In this webinar, they’ll explain the difference between exempt and complying development, helping attendees understand what qualifies under council planning laws and what doesn’t.

The session will identify common illegal works, highlighting the typical remedial works being done without proper approval across strata schemes. David and Edward will also cover how to fix past mistakes, showing attendees how to address historical non-compliance and plan future works correctly to avoid penalties.

Finally, they’ll explore the Design and Building Practitioners Act implications, explaining when works trigger registration, design and certification obligations that many people don’t realise apply to their projects.

This session is essential for anyone managing remedial works, offering the clarity and confidence needed to stay compliant and avoid costly missteps.

RSVP to join online on Wednesday, 26 November at 2.30pm

For questions or further details on Bannermans’ webinar program, email ma*******@************om.au