Payment plan for levies and fees  

Helping you maintain financial stability

What is a payment plan?

A payment plan is an application, approved by a committee, to allow a property owner to repay their overdue levies via periodic instalments over an agreed timeframe. Payment plans are for owners who are genuinely experiencing financial hardship. The committee can act if debts remain outstanding at the end of the payment plan period.

Why do we pay levies?

Levies and fees are critically important because they pay for the safety, insurance, maintenance, and necessary utilities for common property areas. When you buy into a property that has levies and fees, you legally agree to make these contributions as required. What’s more, paying levies on time ensures your property is well maintained to hold or increase its value.

What if I’m struggling to pay my fees and levies?

While the success of community living relies upon each owner making their contribution, sometimes we fall on financially hard times, and regular payments aren’t possible. When this happens, your strata, body corporate, or owners corporation manager can help you apply and submit a payment plan to your committee. You can also do this through the online form below. Your committee will assess the reasons you provided when applying for a payment plan, calculate whether the property can afford to have you on a plan and decide to accept or deny.                       

Free, confidential and independent financial counselling is available through the National Debt Helpline. Call 1800 007 007 to speak with a financial counsellor or visit ndh.org.au for more information or to use their live chat service. 

Will fees apply for obtaining a payment plan?

There is no fee for requesting a payment plan. However, administration costs will be incurred once the committee approves the application. If you fail to meet the terms of your agreed payment plan, the owners corporation or body corporate will charge a $37 default fee each time you miss a payment.
Any collection fees already accrued before initiating the payment plan will be added to your account. If you are struggling with your levies and fees, being proactive is important and may help save money.

Will I incur interest on my unpaid levies?

Maybe, this depends on the action your property decides to take. New South Wales, Queensland, and Victoria all have maximum penalty interest rates set out in legislation for late levies and fees. However, whether interest rates are applied or not must be voted upon at a general meeting. To find out more about your circumstances and incurring interest, talk to your strata, body corporate, or owners corporation manager.

What is the minimum instalment or payment I can make?

There isn’t a set minimum instalment. You can propose an amount and payment frequency that works for you, and the committee will review it to decide if it’s acceptable.

Submitting your payment plan

Once you have completed the online form below we will direct it to your manager, they will submit the payment plan formally to your committee for review and determination of the outcome. Should your application be successful, collection action will cease, and fees will be added to your property’s account. Your payment plan will be monitored until completed.

What if I am unable to pay my future levies in full by the due date?

If you cannot pay the future levies on the due date, a new payment plan must be submitted and approved by the committee. Please note that additional charges may apply if the committee approves a new payment plan.

How do I apply for a payment plan?

• Complete and sign the levies and fees in arrears application form
• Include details about your financial hardship and why you need the payment plan
• Notify your strata, body corporate, or owners corporation manager
• Submit the completed online form below, and we will direct it to your manager.