In the realm of real estate, few roles generate as much confusion as that of the strata property manager.
Questions abound on what distinguishes them from property managers or building managers. We’ll delve into the heart of these roles, deciphering the duties, responsibilities, and unique tasks of a strata manager.
Through this deep dive, you’ll gain valuable insights that can help make sense of your strata management needs, ensure compliance, and facilitate smoother property management.
Decoding the Role: Who is a Strata Manager?
A strata manager, sometimes referred to as a body corporate manager, is a professional who oversees the day-to-day operations and management of a strata property or strata scheme.
The strata manager’s responsibilities extend beyond the single property or individual units, they manage common property areas shared by lot owners, ensuring the strata property’s upkeep and operational functionality.
The duties performed by a strata manager are extensive and involve administrative responsibilities. For instance, they’re tasked with collecting strata levies, arranging for the repair and maintenance of common property, and managing the strata roll, a record of property owners within the strata complex.
They act as a principal liaison between the owners corporation, the strata committee, and individual lot owners, serving as the first point of contact for strata related issues.
Strata managers work on behalf of the strata to ensure that the strata scheme operates smoothly. Their responsibilities include everything from facilitating meetings, preparing budgets and financial statements to mediating disputes within the strata community.
These duties require a strata manager to possess a comprehensive understanding of strata laws, strata title structures, and strata management services.
The Strata Manager vs. Property Manager: What’s the Difference?
While the terms property manager and strata manager may be used interchangeably in some conversations, these managers have very different roles. Property managers are employed by property owners, mostly to manage rental properties.
They’re tasked with finding and vetting tenants, collecting rent, arranging property maintenance, and handling any issues that the tenant may have.
On the other hand, strata managers are engaged by an owners corporation and have responsibilities towards all the property owners within a strata scheme, not just one property owner. Their role extends to communal property maintenance and managing strata-related issues which affect multiple units or lot owners within the strata property.
Understanding this difference between a strata manager and a property manager can save you a lot of confusion when you’re buying a home in Australia.
The Strata Manager vs. Building Manager: How Do They Compare?
The role of a building manager is often confused with that of a strata manager. A building manager, usually employed by the owners corporation or strata committee, is responsible for physical maintenance tasks within the strata building.
This might include cleaning common areas, overseeing waste management, or arranging minor repair and maintenance work.
Unlike a strata manager who is more involved in administrative tasks, a building manager’s duties revolve around ensuring that the strata property is in good condition.
It’s important to note that while the building manager focuses on the maintenance of the strata property, they do not typically engage in the broader management of strata properties, which is the domain of a strata manager.
Key Responsibilities of a Strata Manager
A strata manager must ensure that the strata is running smoothly, which involves a range of responsibilities. These responsibilities can broadly be divided into administrative, financial, legal, and community roles.
Administrative Responsibilities
Strata managers are responsible for arranging and attending meetings of the owners corporation, taking minutes, and advising on procedural matters. They also maintain the strata roll, and ensure compliance and regulatory requirements are met.
Financial Responsibilities
Strata managers handle financial aspects such as the collection of strata levies, payment of bills, and preparation of financial statements. They play an instrumental role in preparing budgets and managing the finances of the owners corporation.
Legal Responsibilities
Strata managers have to ensure that the strata is compliant with the laws and regulations set by the Strata Community Australia (SCA). They often mediate disputes and ensure compliance with the by-laws of the strata scheme.
Community Responsibilities
Strata managers act as a liaison between the owners corporation and the lot owners. They are the first point of contact for strata-related queries, complaints, or disputes.
How Can a Strata Manager Assist You?
Having a professional strata manager can offer various benefits. A strata manager ensures that the property is well maintained, the strata runs smoothly, and regulatory requirements are met. The strata manager may also offer advice and assistance to the owners corporation and lot owners regarding the management and maintenance of their strata property.
A strata manager plays a pivotal role in managing strata properties, ensuring a smooth operation, and serving as a link between lot owners, the strata committee, and the owners corporation. Their understanding of strata laws, financial management, and strata scheme operations makes them an invaluable asset to any strata community.
Understanding the nuances between the roles of a strata manager, property manager, and building manager can guide you in navigating the complex world of strata titles and strata insurance. Armed with this knowledge, you can make informed decisions and ensure the best management for your strata property.
More on strata property management
What is a strata manager?
A strata manager, also known as a property manager or body corporate manager, is a professional who is appointed by the owners corporation to manage and administer a strata scheme or strata property.
What is a strata scheme?
A strata scheme refers to a building or collection of buildings where individual lots or units are owned privately, and common property is owned collectively by the lot owners.
What are the functions of strata management?
Strata management involves various functions such as:
- Collecting strata levies from lot owners to fund the maintenance and management of common areas.
- Arranging and coordinating repairs and maintenance for common property.
- Ensuring compliance with strata regulations and certification requirements.
- Managing the strata roll and handling administrative tasks.
- Resolving conflicts and addressing strata-related issues.
What is the difference between a strata manager and a property manager?
A strata manager focuses on the management of strata schemes and common property, while a property manager typically manages individual properties owned by landlords and deals with tenants. The roles and responsibilities of each may vary, although there can be overlapping areas.
What is the role of a building manager?
A building manager is responsible for the day-to-day management and maintenance of a strata complex. They handle tasks such as overseeing repairs, coordinating contractors, and ensuring the smooth operation of common areas and facilities.
What are the duties and responsibilities of a strata manager?
A strata manager’s duties may include:
- Convening and attending strata committee meetings.
- Preparing and managing the budget for the strata scheme.
- Providing advice on legal and compliance matters.
- Coordinating insurance and claims for the strata property.
- Enforcing by-laws and regulations.
How does strata management ensure that the property is well-maintained?
Strata management plays a crucial role in ensuring that the property is well-maintained by organizing regular inspections and maintenance of common areas.
Strata management is the administration of a strata scheme, which is a type of property ownership in which a building or complex is divided into individual units, each with its own owner.
Strata managers are responsible for the day-to-day management of the strata scheme, including collecting fees, maintaining the common areas, and resolving disputes.
For anyone interested in the process of buying a strata property, it might be beneficial to obtain a strata inspection report.
Who is the largest strata company in Australia?
The largest strata company in Australia is Strata Community Australia (SCA). SCA is a national body that represents the interests of strata managers and owners corporations. SCA provides a range of services to its members, including training, professional development, and advocacy.
Why is it called strata?
The term “strata” comes from the Latin word “stratum,” which means “layer.” Strata schemes are divided into layers, or strata, each of which is owned by a different person or entity.
How does strata make money?
Strata managers make money by charging fees to the owners corporation. The fees are typically based on the size and complexity of the strata scheme. Strata managers may also charge for additional services, such as legal advice or dispute resolution.
