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Strata Resolutions in WA: What They Mean & When You Need Them

Understanding strata resolutions can save your building time, stress, and costly mistakes. Whether you’re approving a budget, changing by-laws, or making major decisions about your complex, the type of resolution required matters, and not all votes carry the same weight.

In Western Australia, there are four main types of strata resolutions, each used for different levels of decision-making. Here’s a simple breakdown.

1. Ordinary Resolution

Best for: everyday, routine decisions
Requirement: simple majority vote in favour

This is the most common type of resolution and is used for standard matters such as approving budgets or general maintenance decisions. If more than half of the votes support it, it passes.

2. Special Resolution

Best for: by-law changes and moderate-impact decisions
Requirement: higher approval threshold, especially in larger schemes

For schemes with more than five lots, a special resolution requires:

  • At least 50% of the lots in favour, and
  • At least 50% of the unit entitlement in favour, and
  • Less than 25% of votes against.

Special resolutions are typically required for changes to by-laws or decisions that affect the scheme more significantly.

3. Resolution Without Dissent

Best for: major decisions requiring strong support (but allowing abstentions)
Requirement: no votes against

A resolution without dissent passes where nobody votes against it. Not everyone has to vote “yes,” but there can be no “no” votes at all. For two-lot schemes, a resolution without dissent is passed if every lot votes in favour.

4. Unanimous Resolution

Best for: high-impact or structural decisions
Requirement: 100% of all votes in favour

This is the strictest level of approval. A unanimous resolution requires every single vote to be in favour, with no objections at all. These resolutions are used for significant decisions that impact the entire strata scheme.

Why This Matters

Knowing which type of resolution is required helps your strata company make valid, transparent decisions and reduces the risk of disputes or decisions needing to be redone later. Clear voting processes protect both the owners and the strata company.

Need Clarity on a Resolution?

Gary is here to help.
📞 0477 520 269
📩 strata.manager@contessi.com.au