Melbourne Lord Mayor Nick Reece has criticized the state’s regulatory body for failing to adequately protect inner-city renters living in strata-titled apartments. Speaking at a recent Strata Matters Conference held at Melbourne Town Hall, Reece identified the existing regulatory framework as ineffective and called for significant reforms to better support residents and building managers.

Reece described himself as a “pro-strata Lord Mayor” committed to working alongside peak bodies, strata managers, and residents to push for legislative changes from the Victorian government. He emphasized the increasing complexity of apartment governance, saying that managing or living in strata buildings should not require specialized legal knowledge. “Sometimes it feels like the only people who can successfully navigate the system are those who make strata their full-time job,” he said.

Highlighting data from Consumer Affairs Victoria, Reece pointed to the watchdog’s failure to prosecute any owners’ corporations in the past decade, despite receiving more than 3,500 complaints. This inactivity led him to label the regulatory body a “toothless tiger,” arguing that the state’s strata laws and dispute resolution processes are inadequate.

With more than 83 percent of Melbourne residents living in apartments, Reece suggested that strata communities function as a “fourth level of government” and therefore require stronger state support, resources, and formal recognition.

To address these challenges, the Lord Mayor’s office is developing a 10-point reform proposal to submit to the Victorian government. Among the key recommendations is the establishment of an independent strata commissioner role, designed to enhance oversight and accountability. This model is based on the approach already implemented in New South Wales, which includes the appointment of a dedicated strata commissioner and mandatory training for committee members.

Reece also called for the creation of a centralized “Strata Hub” to improve access to important documents, contact information, and communication channels for both strata managers and residents. He pointed to New South Wales as a leader in this area, noting the benefits of a dedicated regulatory structure and comprehensive support mechanisms for strata communities.

The proposed reforms aim to simplify the governance of strata buildings, improve dispute resolution, and equip residents with greater transparency and protections, reflecting the growing significance of vertical living in Melbourne.