Often yes, but your building's by-laws decide. Under the model by-laws NSW introduced in 2016, residents can hang washing on their own lot, balcony included, as long as it isn't hung over the balcony railings and stays out only for a reasonable time. Those model by-laws only apply if your strata scheme has adopted them, and many buildings have their own, stricter rules. Check your scheme's registered by-laws before you put a clothes airer outside.
What the NSW model by-law says
Strata buildings in NSW are run under the Strata Schemes Management Act 2015. The government also publishes model by-laws that owners corporations can choose to adopt. The model by-law on washing from 2016 lets an owner or occupier hang washing on any part of their lot other than over the balcony railings, for a reasonable period. It also allows washing on any lines the owners corporation has set aside on common property.
Earlier model by-laws were stricter, and only allowed washing that couldn't be seen from outside the building or from the street. Many older buildings still have by-laws with that kind of wording.
Why your building's by-laws decide
None of the model by-laws are compulsory. Every strata scheme has its own registered by-laws, and those are the ones that apply to you. Some buildings adopted the 2016 wording, others kept older rules or wrote their own, for example allowing airers below the balustrade but not above it.
Breaking a by-law can lead to a notice to comply from the owners corporation, and repeated breaches can end in a fine from the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal.
This guide is general information, not legal advice. If you're unsure what applies to you, ask your strata manager or NSW Fair Trading.
How to check your building's rules
- Ask your strata or building manager for a copy of the registered by-laws
- Look for a by-law about hanging washing, laundry, or the appearance of the building
- Renting? Tenants have to follow the by-laws too. Ask your agent for a copy if you don't have one
- Read the wording carefully: "not visible from outside" is very different from "not over the railings"
Drying clothes without the balcony
If your by-laws rule out the balcony, or it's too small or shady to be worth it, you still have options:
- A folding airer inside, near an open window or with a dehumidifier running
- A heat-pump dryer, if you have the space
- A laundromat with large dryers, to dry a week's washing in one go
- A wash, dry and fold pickup service, so nothing needs drying at home
Our guide to laundry in a Sydney apartment goes through each option.
Handing the drying over
Laundry Load collects from apartment buildings across 59 Sydney suburbs. Leave the bag at your door or with reception, and it comes back washed, dried on the setting you chose and folded within 48 hours. No airer in the lounge room and nothing on the balcony. See how laundry pickup and delivery works.
