Imagine discovering that the floor in your Sydney strata unit is silently causing major damage to your building. For many strata owners, this nightmare is real, thanks to an outdated material called magnesite. If you're a strata owner in Sydney, prioritising magnesite removal isn't just smart—it's essential to dodge costly legal battles and protect your investment. In this article, we'll break down why magnesite is a ticking time bomb, the legal risks involved, and how you can take action. Drawing ideas from expert sources like Bannermans Lawyers' insights on magnesite issues, we'll keep things straightforward and actionable. Whether you're reading on your mobile or desktop, this guide is designed for easy scanning. What is Magnesite Flooring? Magnesite flooring was popular in Sydney buildings from the 1920s to the 1980s. It's a cement-like topping applied over concrete slabs for levelling and soundproofing. Made from magnesium oxychloride mixed with fillers like sawdust or wood flour, it seemed like a great idea back then. But over time, magnesite absorbs moisture, leading to serious problems. It's common in older strata schemes across Sydney, from the CBD to the suburbs. The Hidden Dangers of Magnesite in Strata Buildings Magnesite isn't just old—it's hazardous. When it gets wet, it releases chlorides that corrode the steel reinforcements in your concrete slab. This leads to "concrete cancer," where the concrete cracks and expands. Structural Damage: Cracks, spalling, and weakened floors that could collapse if ignored. Health Risks: Older magnesite often contains asbestos, which can release harmful fibres into the air. Moisture Issues: Sweating floors and diffusion of chlorides, making your unit damp and unhealthy. These dangers aren't visible at first, but they build up, turning minor issues into major headaches for strata owners. Legal Obligations for Strata Owners in NSW In New South Wales, strata laws are clear: magnesite flooring is considered common property. That means the owners corporation (your strata body) is legally responsible for its maintenance and removal. Under the Strata Schemes Management Act 2015, failing to maintain common property can lead to penalties. By-laws in many Sydney strata schemes require magnesite removal during renovations, especially in kitchens or laundries. If you're renovating, check your by-laws—ignoring them could land you in hot water with the strata committee or even NCAT (NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal). Consequences of Ignoring Magnesite Removal Putting off magnesite removal can lead to legal nightmares. Here's what could happen: Costly Repairs: Concrete cancer spreads, turning a simple removal into a full slab reconstruction, costing tens of thousands. Legal Disputes: Owners can sue the strata for damages if neglect causes property loss or health issues. Cases like those reviewed by Bannermans Lawyers show corporations facing liability for asbestos-related claims. Financial Penalties: NSW laws impose fines for not maintaining common property, plus skyrocketing levies to cover emergency fixes. Property Value Drop: Buyers avoid buildings with known magnesite issues, slashing your unit's worth. Real stories from Sydney strata owners highlight bills jumping from $5,000 to $60,000 due to delayed action, as reported in financial reviews. Benefits of Timely Magnesite Removal Removing magnesite early pays off big time. Here's why: Prevents Damage: Stops concrete cancer in its tracks, saving your building's integrity. Boosts Safety: Eliminates asbestos risks and creates a healthier living space. Increases Value: Modern, safe floors make your property more appealing to buyers and renters. Avoids Legal Woes: Complies with strata laws, reducing the chance of disputes or claims. Professional services like those from Elyment Group ensure dust-free, efficient removal, minimising disruption. How to Proceed with Magnesite Removal in Sydney Ready to act? Follow these steps: Inspect your floors for signs like cracks or lumps under carpet. Consult your strata committee and review by-laws. Hire certified experts for safe removal—look for asbestos handling qualifications. Plan for repairs, like fixing spalling concrete post-removal. Update your strata records to reflect the work done. For more details, visit Bannermans Lawyers' guide on magnesite or check NSW Fair Trading resources. Key Takeaways Magnesite flooring causes concrete cancer and health risks in Sydney strata buildings. Strata owners in NSW are legally required to maintain common property, including magnesite removal. Ignoring it leads to legal disputes, high costs, and property devaluation. Timely removal prevents issues, boosts safety, and complies with laws. Act now to protect your investment—contact professionals like @ElymentGroup. Follow us on X @ElymentGroup for more tips, or visit elyment.com.au for expert services. Safeguard Your Strata Investment – Get in Touch Now!