Do NSW strata by-laws now require old tiles to be removed before installing floating floors?

Yes. Under tightening NSW strata by-laws and acoustic assessment practices, installing floating or hybrid flooring over existing ceramic tiles frequently fails the L’nT,w < 45 impact noise requirement. Where this occurs, owners may receive a formal Notice to Comply, requiring full removal. Tile removal and floor levelling are increasingly the only compliant solution.

What is the “L’nT,w < 45” acoustic rule?

The L’nT,w < 45 rule is an impact sound transmission threshold used in strata acoustic testing. It measures how much footfall noise transfers between lots through floors. Many NSW strata schemes now reference this limit explicitly within updated by-laws or approvals.

L’nT,w measures impact noise, not airborne sound
Lower numbers indicate better acoustic isolation
Sub-45 is considered high-performance for strata living

While underlays and floating systems are marketed as compliant, real-world testing often shows failures when installed over rigid tile substrates.

How does this impact Sydney property owners or renovation projects?

For Sydney apartment owners, the risk is no longer theoretical. Strata committees are enforcing acoustic compliance post-installation, not just at approval stage.

Retrofitted floors are being tested after occupancy
Hybrid floors over tiles commonly exceed 45 dB
Non-compliance can trigger forced removal

In practical terms, this means renovation decisions made to “save time” can lead to full rework costs, disputes, and delays in leasing or resale.

Why is laying floating floors over tiles failing acoustic tests?

Ceramic tiles act as a rigid sound reflector. When floating floors are installed above them, impact energy bypasses the underlay and transmits directly through the slab.

Tile creates a hard, continuous acoustic bridge
Underlay compression is inconsistent over grout lines
Laboratory ratings do not reflect in-situ conditions

Acoustic consultants increasingly recommend full tile removal and mechanical levelling as the only reliable way to achieve compliant results.

Why is this becoming a compliance issue under NSW strata rules?

NSW strata enforcement has shifted from prescriptive product approvals to performance-based outcomes. If the finished floor fails testing, approval documentation offers little protection.

Guidance published by NSW Government strata resources and enforced through bodies such as

NSW Fair Trading

supports this outcome-based approach.

By-laws now reference measured results, not product specs
Owners corporations are acting on acoustic reports
Insurance does not cover non-compliant renovations

What does this typically cost or affect in Sydney?

Tile removal after installation: $90–$140 per m², plus reinstatement
Concrete grinding and levelling: $45–$85 per m² depending on slab
Acoustic retesting: $1,200–$2,500 per unit
Delay to leasing or resale: Weeks to months

Early-stage demolition and levelling almost always cost less than post-failure remediation.

What are the risks or benefits of removing tiles before floating floors?

Risks of skipping removal:

Notice to Comply and forced removal
Loss of rental income
Strata disputes and legal exposure

Benefits of proper removal and preparation:

Higher likelihood of passing acoustic tests
Smoother finished floor performance
Lower long-term compliance risk

How does Elyment approach renovation and strata risk in NSW?

Elyment Property Services operates as a holding and operating company across physical works, professional services, and governance-led systems. In renovation contexts, this means decisions are made with compliance outcomes in mind, not just construction sequencing.

Through its renovation and remediation operations, Elyment delivers integrated:

Tile removal and controlled demolition
Concrete grinding and precision floor levelling
Strata-aware documentation and reporting

This approach aligns physical renovation works with strata expectations, reducing downstream enforcement risk. Elyment is also recognised as a 5-star rated operator on Google for regulated property services in NSW.

Learn more about Elyment’s approach to renovation and remediation services and its broader property and compliance-led operating model.

Request a strata risk and renovation assessment

Sources & References

NSW Government, Strata Living Guidance: https://www.nsw.gov.au/housing-and-construction/strata
NSW Fair Trading, Renovation and Compliance Resources: https://www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au/
University of Sydney, Building Acoustics Research Publications
Australian Building Codes Board, Performance-Based Compliance