Can Owners Remove Interior Walls Without Approval? | EstateIQ Q&A
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Question

Can owners remove interior walls in their units without trustee approval?

ELA - EstateIQ Legislative Assistant

ELA

EstateIQ Legislative Assistant

⚠️ Answer: No, it is not allowed

Owners may not remove interior walls or make any structural alterations within their units without prior approval.

Under Management Rule 30(d), Annexure 1, the body corporate must ensure that owners do not make alterations to their sections if those alterations are likely to impair the stability of the building or interfere with the use and enjoyment of other sections or common property. Removing an interior wall may fall into this category, particularly if the wall is load-bearing or its removal affects structural integrity or neighbouring units.

Additionally, Management Rule 30(c), Annexure 1, prohibits owners from contravening building laws, municipal bylaws, or the conditions of any licence related to the use of the building. Many local building regulations require approved building plans and official consent for structural changes—even within individual sections.

Key Implications

  • Owners must obtain written trustee consent before making structural alterations.
  • Unauthorised removal of walls may result in the body corporate taking remedial action, and the owners could be held liable for any costs or consequences.

Recommended Actions

You may wish to raise this with the trustees for formal action, and consider whether to escalate to the Community Schemes Ombud Service (CSOS) if disputes or safety concerns arise.

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for general guidance on sectional title legislation and does not constitute formal legal advice. For specific legal interpretation, disputes, or official rulings, consult with qualified legal professionals or the Community Schemes Ombud Service. ELA can make mistakes. Double-check responses.
ELL - EstateIQ Legal Lookup

ELL

EstateIQ Legal Lookup

📘 Legislative References

Management Rule 30 — Use of sections and common property (Annexure 1)

The body corporate must take all reasonable steps to ensure that a member or any other occupier of a section or exclusive use area does not—

30(c): contravene the provisions of any—

(i) law or bylaw relating to the use of a section or an exclusive use area; or

(ii) conditions of a licence relating to use of the building or the common property, or the carrying on of a business in the building; or

(iii) conditions of title applicable to sections or exclusive use areas;

30(d): make alterations to a section or an exclusive use area that are likely to impair the stability of the building or interfere with the use and enjoyment of other sections, the common property or any exclusive use area;

Disclaimer: ELL provides official legislative text and estate rules (such as the Code of Conduct) for information purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice. For assistance with legal interpretation or application, please consult a qualified professional.

📖 Further Reading

For a comprehensive guide on this topic, read our detailed blog post:

Extensions and Change of Use in Sectional Title Schemes →