Washing in NSW Strata is now at Half Mast

Since 2008 the NSW government has been trying to make strata schemes greener by changing the by-law relating to washing on balconies to encourage air-drying laundry and discourage using dryers.


There's been a lot of debate and of course much disagreement over whether the 'green' advantages of such a change outweigh the aesthetic offence of seeing washing on apartment balconies.  


And, there's no obvious answer to the question.


But, we now have a new by-law 10 in NSW that moves things forwards as follows.

10   Hanging out of washing

(1)  An owner or occupier of a lot may hang any washing on any lines provided by the owners corporation for that purpose. Such washing may only be hung for a reasonable period.

(2)  An owner or occupier of a lot may hang washing on any part of the lot provided that the washing will not be visible from street level outside the parcel.

(3)  An owner or occupier of a lot may hang washing on any part of the lot that will be visible from street level outside the parcel only if the owner or occupier has the prior written approval of the owners corporation.

(4)  In this clause:

washing includes any clothing, towel, bedding or other article of a similar type.

It's a quantum leap (not).


Whilst before washing on balconies could only be lawfully seen from the apartment itself and everyone else didn't have to see it, now washing on balconies can be seen by anyone who happens to be above street level but not pedestrians, car and bike drivers and their passengers.


So, sorry if you happen to live or be in other apartments that overlook balconies ... you'll now see washing.

See you behind your unmentionables on an apartment balcony soon.


Francesco ...