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What does a strata manager do?
Strata managers are professionals who are responsible for the administration of owners corporations.
Strata Managers are responsible for ensuring buildings and common areas within a strata titled or community titled scheme are properly maintained for the benefit of all lot owners. They follow specific instructions issued by the owners committee.
Strata managers are specialists in their field, possessing the knowledge and skill to administer the owners corporation in accordance with the complex legislation requirements. They also work to achieve consensus in decision making by the lot owners, and to otherwise assist the lot owners by assuming onerous responsibilities.
Specific duties
Strata managers are involved in coordinating the affairs of lot owners including conducting meetings, collecting and banking levies, arranging property maintenance, advising on asset management, placing insurance and keeping financial accounts.
Their duties include:
set dates for committee meetings, the annual general meeting, extraordinary meetingsprepare and distribute notices, agendas and minutesattend to correspondenceorganise and co-ordinate repairs and maintenance of common property, including a preventative maintenance programmaintaining the owners corporation registerarrange payment of all invoicesprepare and distribute financial statements and budgetsprepare and distribute contribution noticesattend to orders, submissions and appealsensure the strata scheme complies with all the Work Health & Safety (WHS) regulationsprovide advice in handling ‘difficult’ or complex strata issues.
Professionalism
Engaging a strata manager that is a member of Strata Community Association (SCA) is an important step to ensure the professional and compliant administration of a strata scheme.
Strata legislation is complex and designed to protect the interests of its lot owners. A strata manager who knows the legislation well can prevent inadvertent errors which can be made by self-managing owners.
Members of SCA practising as strata managers are required to keep abreast of all changes in the relevant legislation through a program of continuing professional development and also maintain professional indemnity insurance. Not least, they are required to adhere to an ethical Code Of Conduct.
