By-laws are the written rules every owner, tenant and visitor in the scheme has to follow. They cover behaviour (noise, smoking), use of common property (parking, BBQs), pets, renovations and external appearance.
No, not in NSW, VIC, QLD or the ACT. Recent court decisions and legislative changes mean blanket pet bans are unenforceable in most states — owners must allow pets unless there's a genuine reason to refuse a specific animal.
Yes for almost any work that affects common property, the building structure, or services that pass through walls and floors. Cosmetic work inside your lot (paint, soft furnishings) usually doesn't need approval.
Talk to the neighbour first — most noise issues come from people who don't realise. If that doesn't work, report the breach in writing to the strata manager so it's documented, and ask the committee to issue a notice to comply.
It depends on state and local council rules. In NSW the owners corporation can pass a by-law restricting short-term letting in non-principal-place-of-residence lots. Other states have varying rules — check both your by-laws and your council planning rules.
Smoking on a private balcony is generally legal but if the smoke drifts into other lots it can be a 'nuisance' breach of the by-laws. Many schemes have passed smoke-drift by-laws making it actionable when smoke affects neighbours.
Generally no — visitor spaces are for genuine visitors, not residents. Most by-laws expressly prohibit owners and tenants from using visitor spots, and the strata manager can have offending vehicles ticketed or towed in some states.
Draft the proposed new or amended by-law, submit it as a motion to a general meeting, and pass it by special resolution (75% in favour). Once passed, lodge the change with the state titles office or registrar so it appears on the strata roll.