In Australia, strata management is defined as "the coordinated control and operation of common property in a strata scheme by an owners corporation." In other words, it's the process of ensuring that a shared living space like an apartment complex or gated community is well-maintained and organized. So when you own a property in a strata scheme, you're not just responsible for your own unit – you're also responsible for pitching in to take care of common areas like hallways, gardens, and pools. this is where a strata manager comes in.
A strata manager is a professional who is hired by the Owner's Corporation to take on the day-to-day tasks of managing a strata scheme. This includes everything from maintaining financial records and preparing annual budgets, to arranging repairs and organising social events. In short, a strata manager makes sure that everyone in the scheme is happy and that the property is running smoothly.
The role of a strata manager is regulated by each Australian state and territory, so the specific duties can vary depending on where you live. For example, in New South Wales strata managers must be licensed by the NSW Office of Fair Trading, while in Victoria they must be registered with the Business Licensing Authority.
Strata management is compulsory in the Australian Capital Territory, which means that all strata schemes must have a strata manager. This is different from other states and territories, where strata management is optional – although most schemes do choose to hire a strata manager, as it can make life a lot easier for everyone involved.
Strata management is especially important in Canberra, as the city is home to a large number of high-rise buildings and strata schemes. This means that there are a lot of people living in close proximity to one another, which can sometimes lead to problems. A good strata manager will help to prevent any disputes from arising and will make sure that everyone in the scheme is happy and that the property is running smoothly. Currently, in Canberra city, there are many different types of strata schemes, from small complexes of just a few units to large buildings with hundreds of apartments.
This means that strata schemes are not just limited to residential properties – they can be found in all sorts of different types of buildings. In fact, Canberra is home to some of the largest strata schemes in the country, including office blocks, shopping centres, and even industrial warehouses. This can be both a good and bad thing – on the one hand, it means that there is a lot of potential for problems to arise, but on the other hand, it also means that there is a lot of potentials for strata schemes to really thrive.
If you live in a strata scheme in Canberra or are thinking of buying a property in one, then it's important to make sure that you understand the strata management system. This will help to ensure that your experience of living in a strata scheme is a positive one and that you are able to make the most of all the benefits that this type of property ownership has to offer.
Many people are not aware of the difference between strata managers and property managers, but it is actually quite simple. A strata manager is a professional who is specifically trained and qualified to manage strata schemes, whereas a property manager is someone who manages all types of properties, including both commercial and residential, however, Strata scheme covers some commercial properties like shops in a shopping centre.
The main difference between the two is that a strata manager will have a much better understanding of the specific needs of a strata scheme and will be able to deal with any problems that may arise, whereas a property manager may not have the same level of knowledge or experience.
but do I need to hire both? Well, in most cases, you will only need to hire one or the other, as they will both be able to carry out the same tasks. However, there are some circumstances where it may be beneficial to have both a strata manager and a property manager. For example, if you have a large strata scheme with many different types of properties, then it may be beneficial to have someone who is specifically responsible for each type of property.
This will ensure that all the properties in the scheme are being properly managed and that there is someone who is always available to deal with any problems that may arise.
Of course, hiring both a strata manager and a property manager can be quite expensive, so it is important to weigh up the pros and cons before making a decision.
Now that we know why Strata schemes must have a strata manager in the Australian Capital Territory as it is compulsory, we going to look at your experience when working with a strata manager in Canberra.
The first thing you will need to do is research various strata management companies in Canberra, you can ask friends or family for recommendations or look online for customer reviews. Once you have found a few companies that you are interested in working with, you should contact them to find out more about their services and get a quote.
It is important to remember that the strata management company you choose will be responsible for the day-to-day running of your strata scheme, so it is essential that you find a company that you can trust and feel comfortable working with.
Once you have chosen a strata management company, they will be able to help you with a range of different tasks, including:
- Collecting strata levies from owners and tenants
- Repair and maintenance of common areas
- Organising insurance for the building
- Handling disputes between owners and tenants
- Keeping minutes of strata meetings
- Preparing agendas for strata
all you need to do while working with a strata manager in Canberra is to provide them with the necessary information and documents, and they will take care of the rest.
a good strata manager will also have access to a network of cleaners, electricians, plumbers, and other tradespeople who can be called upon to carry out repairs and maintenance quickly and efficiently.
In addition to this, a good strata manager will also have a good working knowledge of the Strata Schemes Management Act 2015, which is the legislation that governs strata schemes in the ACT. This means that they will be able to advise you on any changes to the Act that could affect your strata scheme, and they will also be able to help you resolve any disputes between owners or tenants.
Finally, a good strata manager will always be available to answer any questions that you may have about your strata scheme. They should be able to provide you with advice and support whenever you need it, and they should also be able to put you in touch with other owners or tenants in your strata scheme if you need to discuss any issues.
hope this article was of some help to you in understanding the role of a strata manager in Canberra and what makes a great strata manager. If you have any questions about strata schemes or strata management, please feel free to contact us at Capital Strata in Canberra.