Judgement Details

The Strata community welcomes a significant and clarifying decision delivered today by the Court of Appeal (COA). In a unanimous judgment on 19 Nov 2025, the three-judge panel ruled that a Joint Management Body (JMB) is not empowered under the Strata Management Act (SMA) to impose multiple rates of charges on parcel owners.

During the hearing, the Presiding Judge raised several key questions of law regarding the authority of JMBs under the SMA. Following a careful internal deliberation, the Court of Appeal affirmed that the SMA does not grant JMBs the power to charge differing rates to different owners, thus providing much-needed clarity and consistency for strata governance across the nation.

The Court of Appeal also affirmed that following the dissolution of the JMB, any right, power or remedy granted to, or any liability imposed on, the joint management body under this Part in respect of the development area, including Charges, contribution to the sinking fund, and any other assets of maintenance account and the sinking fund account, shall vest in the management corporation on the date of the expiry of the period specified in subsection 27(2), and the management corporation shall have the same right, power, remedy or liability as if it had at all times been a right, power, remedy or liability of the management corporation, including those rights in respect of any legal proceedings or applications to any authority by or against the joint management body pending immediately before the date of the expiry of the period specified in subsection 27(2).

This outcome marks a significant victory for the Strata community. We extend our appreciation to all team members and supporters whose dedication, expertise, and perseverance contributed to this meaningful result.