Apartments come with their own rulebook for window coverings, and ignoring it can get you a body-corporate fine OR a forced removal at your expense. Here\'s the lay of the land.
What\'s almost always allowed
- Internal blinds: Roller, roman, honeycomb, venetian: all fine.
- Internal plantation shutters: Almost always allowed; the look is body-corporate friendly.
- Sheer curtains: Universal yes.
What\'s usually restricted
- External roller shutters: Most apartments forbid them: they change the exterior look of the building.
- Outdoor balcony blinds: Often allowed but only in approved colours and styles (e.g. clear PVC Ziptrak might be OK, cafe blinds with coloured trim might not).
- Window film: Heavily reflective film often banned because it changes the building facade.
The five steps to body-corporate sign-off
- Read the by-laws. Specifically the section on "alterations to common property" or "external appearance."
- Ask the strata manager early. They know the unwritten norms and can flag issues before you submit.
- Get installer specs in writing. Brand, colour, fabric, fixing method.
- Submit a written request. Include specs, an image, and the planned install date.
- Wait for written approval. Verbal is not enough. Some by-laws require a committee meeting.
Once approved, save the approval letter. New strata managers come and go. A future committee can\'t retroactively fine you for something approved in writing.
Need installers who already know how to navigate strata? Get matched with installers familiar with apartment-friendly specifications.
