#strata services

Strata Plumbing Issue: Who Is Responsible?

Living in a strata community means that most issues are solved by the owners’ corporation. They are responsible for any issues that arise within the strata scheme(s). Although a straightforward concept, matters can become complicated, especially when the issue of paying for repairs is live. It is sometimes difficult to tell who is responsible. Is it the private lot owner, the owners’ corporation, or the Strata Management? Plumbing issues within a strata scheme are definitely a grey area.

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If you own an apartment or property that requires an owners’ corporation (due to the presence of common property), Our Body Corp provides you with leading technology and the locally based support you need for Body Corporate Strata Management.

Body corporate manager, often called strata managers, are highly-skilled professionals who play a significant role in the day-to-day operations of a body corporate (also known as an owner’s corporation) in Australia. They are entrusted with overseeing and managing the everyday operations of a strata scheme or a condominium association.

A body corporate is a legal entity automatically created when a subdivision plan containing common property is registered. These properties comprise individually owned units, common areas, and facilities.

To ensure efficiency and flawless execution, a body corporate manager is expected to have a strong knowledge of Australian Body Corp legislation, current industry practices, and a thorough understanding of the property management dynamics in the region.

What is the Role of a Body Corporate Manager?

The duties of a body corporate manager cannot be etched in stone. It’s a dynamic role that requires a proactive approach and the ability to handle crises during critical situations. Body Corporate managers have a deep understanding of strata laws and regulations and can help navigate through the complex legal landscape. They ensure the body corporate complies with legal obligations, preventing potential legal issues.

Following are some of the primary duties of a body corporate manager:

Administrative Duties: Body corporate managers are entrusted to handle the administrative tasks of running a body corporate. This may include maintaining records, taking correspondence, preparing Minutes of the Meeting (MoM), and arranging and managing meetings of the body corporate, such as Annual General Meetings (AGMs) or Extraordinary General Meetings (EGMs).

Financial Management: They manage the finances of the body corporate, which includes setting budgets, managing bank accounts, ensuring the collection of levies from the owners, and arranging payment of bills and other expenses. They often oversee the sinking and administrative funds, ensuring they are appropriately used and adequately funded. Body corporate managers assist with taking out appropriate insurance, lodging insurance claims, and managing repairs related to those claims.

Compliance: Local laws, guidelines, and regulations are likely subject to modifications and amendments. Body corporate managers ensure compliance with the relevant laws and regulations, which may include health and safety regulations, strata laws, or local bylaws. Internally, they are authorised to handle disputes within the body corporate.

Maintenance & Repairs: They oversee the maintenance and repairs of common property areas and may coordinate with various stakeholders involved in the property and its maintenance. They liaise with contractors, obtain quotes, and ensure all tasks are completed to meet the prescribed standards.

Communication: They serve as a point of contact for owners, residents, and other stakeholders and manage communication within the body corporate. Body corporate managers act as mediators between the committee and owners, keeping everyone informed of issues, decisions, and updates regarding the property.

Dispute Redressal: When conflicts arise among owners, body corporate managers can provide objective and professional intervention. They can mediate disputes and help reach resolutions in accordance with strata laws.

Timesaving: Having a dedicated resource to handle your properties helps you allocate more time for essential tasks. Hiring a body corporate manager saves time for the committee members, who often are volunteers with their own jobs and commitments.

Training & Advice: Being well-versed in the nitty-gritty of body corporate management, body corporate managers can provide training and advice to the committee members about their roles and responsibilities. This enables the committee members to be aware of essential prerequisites and helps avert a crisis.

Importance of a Body Corporate Manager

The exact responsibilities of a body corporate manager can vary depending on their specific agreement with the body corporate and the laws and regulations in their jurisdiction. In some cases, they may also be involved in tasks such as insurance management, or they may provide advice on Australian strata laws and best practices

However, it’s important to note that the quality of these services largely depends on the individual manager or company’s capabilities, experience, and commitment. It’s always important to research and select a reputable body corporate manager who fits the needs of your particular strata scheme.

To become a body corporate manager, one usually needs a strong background in business management, real estate, or a related field. Some jurisdictions also require specific qualifications or licenses. Having impeccable interpersonal skills, organisational skills, and a thorough understanding of the relevant laws and regulations are additional traits of a successful body corporate manager.

How is a Body Corporate Manager Appointed?

The process to appoint a body corporate manager can vary slightly between states due to different legislations. The decision to appoint the manager must be made at a general meeting (either at an AGM or EGM). In many states, this requires an ordinary resolution, which means it must be approved by a majority of votes.

However, some Australian states require a special resolution requiring a higher percentage of votes. The proposed contract with the manager should be provided to all members before the meeting so they can make an informed decision.

What is the Role of a Strata Manager?

Managing shared or co-owned property is a challenging task, as it’s a multi-faceted requirement that involves legalities, communication, and knowledge of finance. To help take this burden off your shoulders, strata managers come to your rescue. Strata managers, also known as body corporate managers, play a critical role in the smooth operation of strata communities across Australia.

A strata manager is decisive in ensuring a strata scheme operates smoothly. They relieve individual owners of the day-to-day management tasks and help to ensure that the property is well maintained, finances are in order, and legal obligations are met. A skilled strata manager can add significant value to a strata property by ensuring it’s well-run and helping maintain or even increase its value over time.

Who Appoints a Strata Manager?

Strata properties consist of multiple individual units, such as apartments or townhouses, along with common areas like pools, lifts, gardens, and gyms, all owned and used collectively by all the property owners.

These properties have a legal entity, the Owners Corporation, or the Body Corporate, comprised of individual owners, that governs and manages the strata scheme. The strata manager is appointed by the Owners Corporation or the Body Corporate to help manage the strata property.

Roles and Duties of a Strata Manager

With cosmopolitan localities on the rise across Australia, strata management assumes critical significance, as property dwellers or owners can invest their time and resources into more productive activities. A well-endowed strata manager will provide the following services:

Administrative Duties: The strata manager oversees the daily administration of the strata scheme. This includes handling correspondences, maintaining records and documents, and scheduling and managing meetings of the Owners Corporation.

Financial Management: Strata managers are responsible for preparing budgets, managing the financial accounts of the strata scheme, and ensuring that the owners pay their levies on time. They also help to collect these levies, manage arrears, and pay bills on behalf of the Owners Corporation.

Maintenance and Repairs: Strata managers coordinate the maintenance and repairs of the common property. They liaise with contractors, get quotes, and ensure the work is done satisfactorily and within budget.

Regulatory Compliance: Strata managers ensure that the Owners Corporation complies with laws and regulations applicable to strata properties. This includes understanding and applying the relevant Strata Titles Act, rules, and local council by-laws.

Dispute Resolution: Strata managers often play a role in resolving disputes between owners or between owners and the Owners Corporation. They should have a good understanding of the strata scheme’s by-laws and the processes for resolving disputes.

Insurance: They manage insurance policies for the strata property, including making claims when necessary. They rectify the failure of the owners to maintain insurance, keep adequate records or hold AGMs could open the owner’s corporation to penalties for non-compliance. Advantages of Hiring a Strata Manager

Efficiency: Strata managers have the necessary tools, resources, and networks to manage properties efficiently. They can promptly address repairs and maintenance issues and coordinate services like cleaning, gardening, and security more effectively than individual owners might.

Expertise: Strata managers are experts in their field. They understand the complex legislation and regulations surrounding strata management and have the knowledge to ensure compliance.

Conflict Resolution: Strata communities often encounter conflicts, such as disputes over common property or disagreements over strata rules. Strata managers can mediate such conflicts, helping to resolve disputes professionally and objectively.

Financial Prowess: Strata managers can handle the financial aspects of strata living, including budgeting, collection of levies, and management of the sinking fund. They can also ensure that all financial transactions and records are transparent and in accordance with legal requirements.

Timesaving: For individual owners, managing a strata property can be time-consuming. By hiring a strata manager, owners can focus on other aspects of their life while the strata manager handles the administrative tasks.

Reduced Legal Liability: Strata managers ensure compliance with strata laws and regulations, reducing the potential legal liability for the strata corporation or owners’ corporation. This could include guaranteeing all insurance is up to date, safety regulations are followed, and all necessary meetings are held and recorded as required.

Property Value Retention: By ensuring that the building and common areas are well-maintained and any issues are quickly addressed, strata managers help maintain and potentially increase the property value, benefiting the individual owners.

Effective Communication: Strata managers act as a central point of contact for owners, tenants, and service providers. They can effectively manage and disseminate information, ensuring everyone is informed and updated.

Renting and managing a property isn’t merely about finding the right tenant but ensuring your property’s long-term security and effective maintenance. Availing the services of a property manager is a prerequisite for investors and real estate owners as they handle and simplify some of the most challenging tasks on behalf of investors, property owners, and renters.

An efficient property management software can smartly and effectively manage all these tasks. The properties can be managed at the click of a button without constantly bothering a property manager. Our Body Corp property management software can help real estate professionals and property managers in their daily tasks and help improve their workflows.

Property Management Software: An Overview

Online strata management software is Australia’s foremost choice for property management solutions. It’s a software that stores all the information applicable to a particular property in real time.

A property management software provides a well-organised, time-saving and transparent communication channel for sharing and achieving the desired results. This software is helpful for lot owners, OC committee members, residents, and corporate body managers to efficiently manage and function the shared property.

Property Management Software Usage

Property management software is utilised across the world by varied groups of people. This software aims to enable the smooth and efficient functioning of a property. The key group benefitting from this software is lot owners who run a unit in strata set-up.

Features including a chat room, owner/emergency/contractor contact details, document hub, financial reports, levy notices, meeting notice board, and voting polls ensure transparency and optimal outcomes. Additionally, it offers peace of mind to investors as they can log in from anywhere at any time.

Data Security in Property Management Software

Our Body Corp’s state-of-the-art property management software has added layers of security. It also provides numerous privacy settings to each private user of the system. While selecting the right property management software, consider the following:

• Opt for a user-friendly system with only the essential features is ideal. Analyse your current operation, determine the reason for seeking a property management solution and decide on the suitable software.

• Affordability is the key. Thus find an Australian-based company with an on-shore customer care team offering the best value strata management software for your property. Advantages of Our Body Corp Property Management Software

• Running, organising, and arranging a meeting is relatively easy with our software, as inviting owners and setting an agenda can be accomplished with a click of a button. Our pre-populated meeting agenda is ready and easy to edit if required.

• Record meetings, take minutes, and assign actions during the meeting. Our action tracker function keeps everyone updated on the progress.

• Track your budget and manage costs effortlessly without an accountant. Our strata levy generator calculates invoices and automatically sends emails to owners in three minutes, quickly and easily!

• Initiate group discussions, one-to-one meetings, or converse with your neighbours by posting notices on the notice board. All this is possible via our online strata management software.

• Residents can book community spaces such as barbecues, tennis courts, or meeting rooms.

• We provide regular, easy-to-understand updates. If you get stuck, a strata professional is only an email or phone call away.

• Lastly, our property management software saves you money but provides professional support.