A guide on body corporates and sectional title schemes

In sectional title schemes, landlords must do more than collect rent-they're responsible for ensuring tenants follow conduct rules. If tenants breach these rules, the body corporate fines the landlord, who must recover costs from the tenant. It's crucial for landlords to inform tenants about these rules to avoid penalties. While tenants can't be charged directly for levies, they may be invoiced for additional services like utilities or garden maintenance, but the landlord remains responsible for paying levies to the body corporate.

The Sectional Titles Schemes Management Act (STSMA) governs the management of sectional title properties. Key aspects include establishing a body corporate to manage the property, enforcing management and conduct rules, maintaining a reserve fund for future expenses, and ensuring proper insurance for common property. Conduct rules regulate behavior in shared areas, covering waste disposal, parking, and pets. These regulations help manage sectional title schemes efficiently, protecting both landlords and tenants while ensuring smooth property administration.