If you’re buying or selling an apartment, townhouse or villa in a strata scheme, chances are you’ll hear the term “Section 184 certificate” (aka a Strata Information Certificate) early in the process. It’s one of the most important documents in any strata property transaction, yet it’s also one of the most misunderstood.

This article explains what a Section 184 certificate is, why it’s important, what information it must contain, and how it fits into the broader Australia-wide framework of strata disclosure certificates.

Running a self-managed scheme is a great way to save on management fees and stay directly involved in how your building is run. But with that independence comes responsibility especially when it comes to keeping proper records. 

Good record-keeping isn’t just a legal requirement under strata and community scheme laws in every Australian state and territory it’s also your best defence against disputes, confusion, and headaches down the track. 

Here’s a simple guide for small, self-managed schemes.