How To Make Your Strata Home Child-Friendly?
5 Key Safety Checks (With Tips for Every State and Territory)
Raising a young family in an apartment or townhouse can be wonderfully convenient but it also comes with unique challenges, especially when it comes to safety. Shared spaces, high-rise living, and strata rules all mean parents need to be extra aware of potential hazards.
With more Australian families choosing strata living, knowing how to make your home and common areas child-friendly is essential. The good news? A few key safety checks can give you peace of mind and help you create a secure, happy environment for your little ones.
Here are five practical safety checks every parent should consider, with real examples and tips from across Australia.
1. Swimming Pools
For kids, a pool can be the highlight of strata living—but it’s also one of the biggest safety concerns. In Australia, drowning is the leading cause of accidental death in children under five. That’s why pool fencing laws are strict and vary slightly across states and territories.
NSW & QLD:
In these states, pools must have a child-resistant barrier at least 1.2 m high, a self-closing, self-latching gate, and no gaps wider than 100 mm in fencing. In Queensland, pool owners must also obtain a pool safety certificate when selling or renting a property.
VIC:
All pools and spas must be registered with the local council, and safety barriers are inspected every four years to ensure compliance.
WA & NT:
Isolation fencing that separates the pool area from dwellings and common areas is mandatory.
SA:
South Australia requires pool fences to be at least 1.2 m high, with gates that are self-closing and self-latching. Strata schemes are responsible for maintaining pool safety features, and owners can be fined if gates are propped open or fences are damaged.
ACT:
The ACT’s pool safety laws align with the Building Code of Australia, requiring compliant pool barriers. For older strata buildings, it’s important to ask whether pools have been upgraded to meet these standards.
Parent Tip:
Walk around the pool area and test gates and latches yourself. If the pool doesn’t look secure, ask your owners corporation for a copy of the compliance certificate. You can also suggest regular audits of pool areas, especially before summer.
2. Windows and Locks
Falls from windows and balconies are a serious risk for young children. Each year, dozens of children across Australia are hospitalised after falling from heights and most of these incidents are preventable.
Here’s how the rules differ around the country:
NSW:
Strata buildings in this state lead the way where they must have safety devices on windows where:
The internal sill is less than 1.7 m above the floor, and
The external fall is more than 2 m.
These devices must limit openings to 12.5 cm and resist a force of 250 N (about 25 kg). Compliance became mandatory for all strata schemes in 2018.
VIC & ACT:
There is no legal requirement for window restrictors in existing buildings, but the National Construction Code (NCC) requires safety measures in all new multi-storey buildings. Owners corporations are strongly encouraged to retrofit restrictors or child-safe screens.
QLD & SA:
No state law mandates window safety devices in older strata buildings, but child-safe locks and screens are strongly recommended.
WA:
Lot owners can install child-safety devices on windows without needing strata approval, as long as the installation doesn’t affect the building’s appearance.
Parent Tip:
Consider installing temporary child-safety locks or window guards in your own apartment for added protection—even if the building isn’t required to have them.
3. Balconies and Decks
Balconies can be a wonderful feature, but for small children, they can also pose a fall risk.
Across Australia:
Balustrades must be at least 1 m high, with no gaps wider than 12.5 cm (so a child’s head can’t fit through).
QLD:
Watch out for horizontal railings or “ladder-like” designs that children might climb.
NT & WA:
In cyclone-prone areas, balconies are also assessed for structural strength as part of building inspections.
Parent Tip:
Look for loose railings, rust, or wood rot. If anything feels unstable, report it to your strata committee straight away. You can also request balcony safety to be added to the next strata meeting agenda.
4. Playgrounds and Common Areas
Communal areas are a big drawcard for families, but they need regular upkeep to stay safe for kids.
ACT & SA:
Many strata schemes include playgrounds check that they comply with Australian Standards for soft-fall surfaces and that equipment is free from sharp edges or broken parts.
NSW & QLD:
Good lighting in shared carparks and pathways is essential for safe movement in common areas.
VIC & TAS:
Check whether there’s a regular maintenance schedule for gardens, playgrounds, and paths to avoid trip hazards.
Parent Tip:
Do a quick “safety walk” of common areas when you move in. Don’t hesitate to raise concerns with your strata committee—it’s part of their duty to maintain safe shared spaces.
5. Driveways and Car Parks
Shared driveways and basement carparks can be dangerous for young children.
VIC & WA:
Strata schemes are encouraged to install speed bumps, convex mirrors, and clear signage to reduce the risk of accidents.
QLD:
Shared driveways should have good sightlines and speed limits to protect pedestrians.
NT & TAS:
Look for secure gates or barriers that prevent unauthorised vehicle access.
Parent Tip:
Teach children not to play near driveways. If permitted by the strata by-laws, consider installing childproof barriers in front of your allocated parking space.
Bonus: Noise Control
Babies and toddlers need rest and good soundproofing helps.
Newer buildings often include double-glazing and acoustic insulation to meet stricter building codes.
Older buildings: Retrofitting soundproofing may require strata approval, so check your scheme’s by-laws.
Parent Tip:
Visit the property at different times of day before buying or renting to check noise levels. Check with the Strata Manager or review the by-laws on these types of installations.
Creating a Child-Safe Haven
Your child’s safety is too important to leave to chance. Don’t hesitate to ask questions about pool fencing, window locks, balcony compliance, and playground maintenance. Regular inspections, open communication with your strata committee, and a few extra precautions can go a long way in making your strata home a secure and happy place for your family.
Remember: as a parent, you’re your child’s first line of defence but in a strata complex, the owners corporation also has a role to play in maintaining safe shared spaces.
Disclaimer:
This article is intended for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Readers should seek independent legal and professional guidance relevant to their specific circumstances and jurisdiction
