Unit owners now have more rights to install solar panels, electric vehicle charging stations, clothes lines, rainwater tanks or other systems in or on their unit or the common property to make their homes more sustainable. If a unit owner applies to the owners corporation for approval to install a system to save energy or water, the owners corporation cannot unreasonably withhold consent under the reforms. For example, an owners corporation cannot withhold consent due to aesthetic reasons, but can withhold if there are safety or structural issues.
Any rule made by an owners corporation which restricts or prohibits the installation, operation or maintenance of sustainability infrastructure in a unit or on the common property is invalid.
When purchasing, buyers will be given more information about any sustainability infrastructure, like electric vehicle charging facilities, that may be available in the building. They will also receive maintenance plans for the building which will include information on any these facilities will be maintained by the owners corporation. These changes encourage and support owners corporations and unit owners who want to live more sustainably and reduce their environmental impacts.
