What information are owners entitled to receive from the strata committee or strata manager?
In this month’s Strata Q&A, we received a question from Henry Y, an owner based in NSW, regarding how much information he and the other owners are entitled to receive from their strata committee/strata manager. Their building recently went through a large maintenance item, and the owners are seeking answers…
Q. What information are owners entitled to receive from the strata committee or strata manager?
As owners, we’d like to better understand the recent large maintenance item in our building. Could you please clarify what information we are entitled to receive from the strata committee or strata manager?
A. Owners have the right to know what’s happening in their strata scheme.
In NSW, owners have the right to know what’s happening in their strata scheme, especially when it comes to big repairs or maintenance projects. If major work has been approved, you can look at the meeting minutes to see what was decided, who authorised it, and whether quotes or options were considered.
You’re also entitled to check the financial side of things. This includes seeing invoices, receipts, and contracts so you can understand exactly how much the work cost and where the money came from—whether it was paid out of the regular funds, the capital works fund, or through a special levy.
If you want more detail, you can make a formal written request (with a small fee) to inspect the owners corporation’s records. These records can include work orders, quotes, correspondence with contractors, and payment records. While the committee or strata manager might give updates informally, they must give you official access to the records if you ask properly.
What it boils down to is that as an owner, you’re entitled to know what work was done, who approved it, how it was paid for, and to see the supporting documents if you request them.
Cowan Fire Protection Services: Effective Fire Asset Management