What Conduct Rules Are Allowed vs “Undesirable”
CSOS Practice Directive Guidance for Schemes
CSOS focuses heavily on rules being:
- reasonable and equitable
- non-discriminatory
- consistent with legislation and constitutional rights
- applied equally to all owners/residents
Examples of rules that are generally allowed (if drafted clearly)
- Noise rules with specific timeframes
- Parking rules (including visitor controls and defined restrictions)
- Pet application processes, including reasonable breed/size restrictions
- Short-term rental rules defined by minimum rental periods
- Security and access behaviour requirements
- Occupancy limits for overcrowding risk (e.g., “two adults per bedroom” type rule)
Examples of “undesirable” or non-compliant rules
Common problems CSOS flags include:
- discriminatory rules, e.g., singling out domestic workers with “no loitering” style clauses
- curfews or restrictions that conflict with constitutional rights
- eviction clauses (“breach = eviction”)
- restricting voting rights outside what legislation permits
- disconnecting utilities without a court order
- naming specific short-term rental platforms (Airbnb / Booking.com, etc.) instead of defining “short-term rental” by duration
Cultural and religious practices: can schemes prohibit animal slaughter?
Schemes cannot prohibit it outright if it’s linked to cultural or religious practice.
However, schemes can impose strict conditions, such as:
- advance notice (e.g., two weeks)
- date and time disclosure
- type of animal
- humane handling requirements (including SPCA/humane proof where required)